FCTR vs. SPYG

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

FCTR (First Trust Lunt U.S. Factor Rotation ETF) and SPYG (State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FCTR is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Lunt Capital Large Cap Factor Rotation Index, while SPYG is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FCTR returned 3.73%/yr vs 14.06%/yr for SPYG. A 0.80 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FCTR charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for SPYG.

Performance

FCTR vs. SPYG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Lunt U.S. Factor Rotation ETF (FCTR) and State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF (SPYG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FCTR achieves a 12.71% return, which is significantly higher than SPYG's 8.49% return.

FCTR

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 2.53%
• YTD: 12.71%
• 6M: 10.54%
• 1Y: 20.02%
• 3Y*: 17.59%
• 5Y*: 3.73%
• 10Y*: —

SPYG

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: -2.26%
• YTD: 8.49%
• 6M: 6.97%
• 1Y: 24.78%
• 3Y*: 25.40%
• 5Y*: 14.06%
• 10Y*: 18.03%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

FCTR vs. SPYG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
FCTR First Trust Lunt U.S. Factor Rotation ETF	12.71%	8.63%	19.54%	0.71%	-20.42%	21.13%	30.17%	30.91%	-12.50%
SPYG State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF	8.49%	22.09%	35.99%	30.02%	-29.41%	32.01%	33.46%	30.84%	-12.17%

Correlation

The correlation between FCTR and SPYG is 0.71, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.71
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.75
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 26, 2018	0.80

The correlation between FCTR and SPYG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.71 to 0.80 - a consistent structural relationship.

FCTR vs. SPYG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FCTR	SPYG
Technology	36.5%	52.1%
Industrials	18.5%	5.4%
Financial Services	8.5%	9.0%
Consumer Cyclical	7.9%	8.5%
Healthcare	6.7%	5.9%
Basic Materials	5.7%	0.3%
Energy	4.7%	0.1%
Consumer Defensive	4.3%	1.0%
Communication Services	2.9%	15.9%
Utilities	2.7%	1.2%
Real Estate	1.6%	0.6%

Return for Risk

FCTR vs. SPYG — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

FCTR

FCTR Risk / Return Rank: 36
FCTR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
FCTR Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
FCTR Omega Ratio Rank: 32
FCTR Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
FCTR Martin Ratio Rank: 44

SPYG

SPYG Risk / Return Rank: 44
SPYG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
SPYG Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
SPYG Omega Ratio Rank: 43
SPYG Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
SPYG Martin Ratio Rank: 47

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

FCTR vs. SPYG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Lunt U.S. Factor Rotation ETF (FCTR) and State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF (SPYG). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	FCTR	SPYG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.10	1.45	-0.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.55	2.02	-0.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.26	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.80	1.81	-0.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.47	7.15	-0.68

FCTR vs. SPYG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FCTR Sharpe Ratio is 1.10, which is comparable to the SPYG Sharpe Ratio of 1.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FCTR and SPYG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

FCTR vs. SPYG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FCTR drawdown since its inception was -37.10%, smaller than the maximum SPYG drawdown of -67.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FCTR and SPYG.

Drawdown Indicators

	FCTR	SPYG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.10%	-67.63%	+30.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.17%	-13.76%	+2.59%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.63%	-22.14%	-0.49%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.10%	-32.67%	-4.43%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-32.67%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.88%	-5.71%	+2.83%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.34%	-24.28%	+13.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.10%	3.48%	-0.38%

Volatility

FCTR vs. SPYG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Lunt U.S. Factor Rotation ETF (FCTR) is 6.86%, while State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF (SPYG) has a volatility of 7.26%. This indicates that FCTR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SPYG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FCTR	SPYG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.86%	7.26%	-0.40%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.51%	13.85%	-1.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.30%	17.22%	+1.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.79%	21.36%	-1.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.96%	20.72%	+1.24%

FCTR vs. SPYG - Expense Ratio Comparison

FCTR has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than SPYG's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

FCTR vs. SPYG - Dividend Comparison

FCTR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.36%, less than SPYG's 0.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FCTR First Trust Lunt U.S. Factor Rotation ETF	0.36%	0.30%	0.82%	1.04%	1.38%	0.46%	0.44%	0.98%	0.66%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SPYG State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF	0.50%	0.52%	0.60%	1.15%	1.03%	0.62%	0.90%	1.37%	1.51%	1.41%	1.55%	1.57%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FCTR and SPYG in my portfolio?

FCTR and SPYG have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FCTR or SPYG?

SPYG has higher volatility (7.26%) compared to FCTR (6.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FCTR dropped -37.10% vs SPYG's -67.63%.

Which ETF is better, FCTR or SPYG?

On 5-year performance, SPYG leads with 14.06% vs 3.73% for FCTR. On fees, SPYG is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, FCTR has been the lower-risk option at 6.86%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FCTR or SPYG?

Over the 5-year period, SPYG has performed better with a 14.06% return vs 3.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FCTR or SPYG?

SPYG is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for FCTR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FCTR or SPYG?

SPYG has the higher dividend yield at 0.50%, compared with 0.36% for FCTR.

What is the main difference between FCTR and SPYG?

FCTR is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while SPYG is S&P 500. FCTR tracks Lunt Capital Large Cap Factor Rotation Index, while SPYG tracks S&P 500 Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for FCTR and 0.04% for SPYG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPYG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.45 vs 1.10), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.