MMLG vs SPY
MMLG vs SPY
First Trust Multi-Manager Large Growth 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 | MMLG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $95M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 75 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +5.70% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.59% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.54% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.42% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 20, 2020 | Jan 22, 1993 |
MMLG vs SPY Performance
First Trust Multi-Manager Large Growth ETF (MMLG) 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 MMLG returned +15.59% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, MMLG is up 5.70% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, MMLG compounded at +21.54% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.42% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, MMLG has the edge at +11.29% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MMLG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.3% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -46.0% for MMLG 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MMLG charges 0.85% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $9 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MMLG currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
MMLG and SPY share 58 holdings out of 521 unique holdings combined, representing a 42.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in MMLG | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 12.60% | 7.31% | 5.29% |
| AAPL | 4.14% | 7.09% | 2.95% |
| GOOGL | 6.30% | 3.32% | 2.98% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MSFT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LLY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| NFLX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings MMLG shares with SPY Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MMLG or SPY?
MMLG has an expense ratio of 0.85% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MMLG or SPY?
Over the past year MMLG returned +15.59% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), MMLG annualized +11.29% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MMLG or SPY?
MMLG has been the more volatile fund at 21.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: MMLG -46.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both MMLG and SPY?
MMLG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between MMLG and SPY?
MMLG and SPY share 58 common holdings with a 42.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 521 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MMLG or SPY?
MMLG yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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