FTRI vs. SPY

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FTRI (First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF) and SPY (State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FTRI is a Natural Resources fund tracking the Indxx Global Natural Resources Income Index, while SPY is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FTRI returned 9.97%/yr vs 15.53%/yr for SPY. A 0.53 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FTRI charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for SPY.

Performance

FTRI vs. SPY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF (FTRI) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FTRI achieves a 3.36% return, which is significantly lower than SPY's 8.15% return. Over the past 10 years, FTRI has underperformed SPY with an annualized return of 9.97%, while SPY has yielded a comparatively higher 15.53% annualized return.

FTRI

• 1D: -1.95%
• 1M: -5.47%
• YTD: 3.36%
• 6M: 2.05%
• 1Y: 14.91%
• 3Y*: 12.98%
• 5Y*: 7.56%
• 10Y*: 9.97%

SPY

• 1D: -1.45%
• 1M: -1.36%
• YTD: 8.15%
• 6M: 7.20%
• 1Y: 23.59%
• 3Y*: 20.68%
• 5Y*: 13.05%
• 10Y*: 15.53%

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

FTRI vs. SPY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FTRI First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF	3.36%	33.62%	-3.93%	1.53%	7.49%	25.29%	-0.79%	21.97%	-8.34%	11.77%
SPY State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF	8.15%	17.72%	24.89%	26.18%	-18.18%	28.73%	18.33%	31.22%	-4.57%	21.71%

Correlation

The correlation between FTRI and SPY is 0.43, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.43
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.45
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.49
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.52
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 21, 2015	0.53

The correlation between FTRI and SPY shifts across timeframes, from 0.43 (1 year) to 0.53 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FTRI vs. SPY - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTRI	SPY
Basic Materials	56.6%	1.7%
Energy	15.7%	3.1%
Utilities	15.6%	2.1%
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	4.5%
Consumer Cyclical	3.9%	9.9%
Real Estate	3.6%	1.8%
Communication Services	-	10.6%
Financial Services	-	11.1%
Healthcare	-	8.3%
Industrials	-	7.8%
Technology	-	39.0%

Return for Risk

FTRI vs. SPY — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTRI

FTRI Risk / Return Rank: 23
FTRI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
FTRI Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
FTRI Omega Ratio Rank: 23
FTRI Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
FTRI Martin Ratio Rank: 24

SPY

SPY Risk / Return Rank: 59
SPY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
SPY Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
SPY Omega Ratio Rank: 57
SPY Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
SPY Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

FTRI vs. SPY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF (FTRI) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY). 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.

	FTRI	SPY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.83	1.90	-1.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.15	2.58	-1.43
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	1.34	-0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.98	2.67	-1.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.00	11.92	-8.92

FTRI vs. SPY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTRI Sharpe Ratio is 0.83, which is lower than the SPY Sharpe Ratio of 1.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTRI and SPY, 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

FTRI vs. SPY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTRI drawdown since its inception was -43.82%, smaller than the maximum SPY drawdown of -55.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTRI and SPY.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTRI	SPY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.82%	-55.19%	+11.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.26%	-8.88%	-6.38%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.26%	-18.76%	+3.50%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.51%	-24.50%	-3.01%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.82%	-33.72%	-10.10%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-15.26%	-3.17%	-12.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.48%	-9.04%	+0.56%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.98%	1.98%	+3.00%

Volatility

FTRI vs. SPY - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF (FTRI) has a higher volatility of 6.05% compared to State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) at 4.87%. This indicates that FTRI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SPY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FTRI	SPY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.05%	4.87%	+1.18%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.92%	9.85%	+5.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.08%	12.50%	+5.58%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.77%	17.15%	+3.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.94%	17.95%	+3.99%

FTRI vs. SPY - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTRI has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than SPY's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTRI vs. SPY - Dividend Comparison

FTRI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.51%, more than SPY's 1.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTRI First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF	2.51%	2.35%	4.29%	6.56%	8.37%	6.58%	3.64%	6.25%	4.24%	3.60%	2.96%	0.89%
SPY State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF	1.03%	1.07%	1.21%	1.40%	1.65%	1.20%	1.52%	1.75%	2.04%	1.80%	2.03%	2.06%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTRI and SPY in my portfolio?

FTRI and SPY have a correlation of 0.43, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTRI or SPY?

FTRI has higher volatility (6.05%) compared to SPY (4.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTRI dropped -43.82% vs SPY's -55.19%.

Which ETF is better, FTRI or SPY?

On 10-year performance, SPY leads with 15.53% vs 9.97% for FTRI. On fees, SPY is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, SPY has been the lower-risk option at 4.87%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTRI or SPY?

Over the 10-year period, SPY has performed better with a 15.53% return vs 9.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTRI or SPY?

SPY is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for FTRI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FTRI or SPY?

FTRI has the higher dividend yield at 2.51%, compared with 1.03% for SPY.

What is the main difference between FTRI and SPY?

FTRI is categorized as Natural Resources, while SPY is S&P 500. FTRI tracks Indxx Global Natural Resources Income Index, while SPY tracks S&P 500 Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for FTRI and 0.09% for SPY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.90 vs 0.83), 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.