RBLD vs SPY
RBLD vs SPY
First Trust Alerian US NextGen Infrastructure 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 | RBLD | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $57M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.03% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +17.29% | +13.28% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.46% | +23.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.54% | +21.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 13, 2008 | Jan 22, 1993 |
RBLD vs SPY Performance
First Trust Alerian US NextGen Infrastructure ETF (RBLD) 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 RBLD returned +21.46% while SPY returned +23.94%. Year to date, RBLD is up 17.29% versus a gain of 13.28% for SPY.
Over three years, RBLD compounded at +19.54% per year against +21.07% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, RBLD has the edge at +17.15% annualized vs +8.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RBLD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -19.1% for RBLD 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RBLD charges 0.65% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $9 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RBLD currently yields 1.03% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
RBLD and SPY share 82 holdings out of 521 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in RBLD | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAT | 0.94% | 0.69% | 0.25% |
| GEV | 0.94% | 0.48% | 0.46% |
| UNP | 1.07% | 0.26% | 0.81% |
| NEE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MMM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ETN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WAB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PH | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SLB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CEG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings RBLD 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, RBLD or SPY?
RBLD has an expense ratio of 0.65% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RBLD or SPY?
Over the past year RBLD returned +21.46% vs +23.94% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), RBLD annualized +17.15% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RBLD or SPY?
RBLD has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: RBLD -19.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both RBLD and SPY?
RBLD and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RBLD and SPY?
RBLD and SPY share 82 common holdings with a 7.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 521 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RBLD or SPY?
RBLD yields 1.03% while SPY yields 1.01%, so RBLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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