FTRB vs SPY
FTRB vs SPY
Federated Hermes Total Return Bond ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTRB | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $599M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.27% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 475 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -0.43% | +11.49% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.36% | +21.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.76% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.94% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Federated Hermes | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 2, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FTRB vs SPY Performance
Federated Hermes Total Return Bond ETF (FTRB) is a ETF from Federated Hermes and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year FTRB returned +2.36% while SPY returned +21.37%. Year to date, FTRB is down 0.43% versus a gain of 11.49% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 4.3% for FTRB. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -4.8% for FTRB and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.33. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTRB charges 0.39% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $9 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTRB currently yields 4.27% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FTRB and SPY share 0 holdings out of 908 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTRB or SPY?
FTRB has an expense ratio of 0.39% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTRB or SPY?
Over the past year FTRB returned +2.36% vs +21.37% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), FTRB annualized +3.72% vs +8.78% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTRB or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 4.3% for FTRB. Worst drawdown: FTRB -4.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FTRB and SPY?
FTRB and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.33, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTRB and SPY?
FTRB and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 908 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTRB or SPY?
FTRB yields 4.27% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FTRB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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