FTSM vs SPY
FTSM vs SPY
First Trust Enhanced Short Maturity 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 | FTSM | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $6.5B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.14% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 634 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +1.76% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.60% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.67% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.53% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 5, 2014 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FTSM vs SPY Performance
First Trust Enhanced Short Maturity ETF (FTSM) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year FTSM returned +3.60% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, FTSM is up 1.76% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, FTSM compounded at +4.67% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +3.53% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +1.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 1.2% for FTSM. 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 -5.4% for FTSM 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 0.26. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTSM charges 0.29% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $9 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTSM currently yields 4.14% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FTSM and SPY share 0 holdings out of 894 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, FTSM or SPY?
FTSM has an expense ratio of 0.29% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTSM or SPY?
Over the past year FTSM returned +3.60% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), FTSM annualized +1.46% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTSM or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 1.2% for FTSM. Worst drawdown: FTSM -5.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FTSM and SPY?
FTSM and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.26, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTSM and SPY?
FTSM and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 894 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTSM or SPY?
FTSM yields 4.14% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FTSM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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