KNGZ vs. SPYM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

KNGZ (First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF) and SPYM (State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF) are both S&P 500 funds - KNGZ tracks the S&P 500 Sector-Neutral Dividend Aristocrats Index while SPYM tracks the S&P 500 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, KNGZ returned 9.38%/yr vs 13.03%/yr for SPYM. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. KNGZ charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.02%/yr for SPYM.

Performance

KNGZ vs. SPYM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF (KNGZ) and State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF (SPYM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, KNGZ achieves a 13.33% return, which is significantly higher than SPYM's 8.09% return.

KNGZ

• 1D: -0.67%
• 1M: -0.12%
• YTD: 13.33%
• 6M: 12.69%
• 1Y: 25.37%
• 3Y*: 16.12%
• 5Y*: 9.38%
• 10Y*: —

SPYM

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: -1.43%
• YTD: 8.09%
• 6M: 6.76%
• 1Y: 22.22%
• 3Y*: 20.73%
• 5Y*: 13.03%
• 10Y*: 15.60%

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

KNGZ vs. SPYM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
KNGZ First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF	13.33%	14.27%	11.05%	9.77%	-7.55%	28.99%	5.51%	27.34%	-7.11%	9.90%
SPYM State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF	8.09%	17.79%	25.00%	26.24%	-18.09%	28.78%	18.49%	31.99%	-4.78%	11.39%

Correlation

The correlation between KNGZ and SPYM is 0.64, 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	0.64
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.72
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 22, 2017	0.67

The correlation between KNGZ and SPYM shifts across timeframes, from 0.64 (1 year) to 0.77 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

KNGZ vs. SPYM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	KNGZ	SPYM
Financial Services	15.2%	11.9%
Technology	15.2%	38.0%
Industrials	14.1%	8.0%
Consumer Cyclical	12.1%	9.4%
Healthcare	12.1%	8.5%
Consumer Defensive	6.1%	4.6%
Real Estate	6.1%	1.8%
Utilities	6.1%	2.6%
Communication Services	5.1%	10.1%
Energy	4.0%	3.1%
Basic Materials	3.0%	1.8%

Return for Risk

KNGZ vs. SPYM — Risk / Return Rank

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

KNGZ

KNGZ Risk / Return Rank: 58
KNGZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
KNGZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
KNGZ Omega Ratio Rank: 57
KNGZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
KNGZ Martin Ratio Rank: 54

SPYM

SPYM Risk / Return Rank: 60
SPYM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
SPYM Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
SPYM Omega Ratio Rank: 59
SPYM Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
SPYM Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

KNGZ vs. SPYM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF (KNGZ) and State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF (SPYM). 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.

	KNGZ	SPYM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.86	1.80	+0.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.67	2.46	+0.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.33	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.71	2.51	+0.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.91	11.16	-2.25

KNGZ vs. SPYM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KNGZ Sharpe Ratio is 1.86, which is comparable to the SPYM Sharpe Ratio of 1.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KNGZ and SPYM, 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

KNGZ vs. SPYM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KNGZ drawdown since its inception was -37.44%, smaller than the maximum SPYM drawdown of -54.46%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KNGZ and SPYM.

Drawdown Indicators

	KNGZ	SPYM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.44%	-54.46%	+17.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.41%	-8.90%	-0.51%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.70%	-18.72%	-0.98%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.71%	-24.48%	+4.77%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.87%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.86%	-3.25%	-0.61%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.85%	-7.14%	+2.29%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.86%	2.00%	+0.86%

Volatility

KNGZ vs. SPYM - Volatility Comparison

First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF (KNGZ) and State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF (SPYM) have volatilities of 4.88% and 4.81%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	KNGZ	SPYM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.88%	4.81%	+0.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.19%	9.80%	+0.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.75%	12.43%	+1.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.14%	16.90%	-0.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.85%	18.03%	+0.82%

KNGZ vs. SPYM - Expense Ratio Comparison

KNGZ has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than SPYM's 0.02% expense ratio.

Dividends

KNGZ vs. SPYM - Dividend Comparison

KNGZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.40%, more than SPYM's 1.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
KNGZ First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF	2.40%	2.70%	2.55%	3.10%	2.52%	1.95%	2.44%	2.85%	4.09%	1.10%	0.00%	0.00%
SPYM State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF	1.30%	1.13%	1.28%	1.44%	1.69%	1.25%	1.54%	1.79%	2.23%	1.75%	1.97%	1.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KNGZ and SPYM in my portfolio?

KNGZ and SPYM have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, KNGZ or SPYM?

KNGZ has higher volatility (4.88%) compared to SPYM (4.81%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KNGZ dropped -37.44% vs SPYM's -54.46%.

Which ETF is better, KNGZ or SPYM?

On 5-year performance, SPYM leads with 13.03% vs 9.38% for KNGZ. On fees, SPYM is cheaper at 0.02% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KNGZ or SPYM?

Over the 5-year period, SPYM has performed better with a 13.03% return vs 9.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KNGZ or SPYM?

SPYM is cheaper with a 0.02% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for KNGZ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, KNGZ or SPYM?

KNGZ has the higher dividend yield at 2.40%, compared with 1.30% for SPYM.

What is the main difference between KNGZ and SPYM?

KNGZ tracks S&P 500 Sector-Neutral Dividend Aristocrats Index, while SPYM tracks S&P 500 Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for KNGZ and 0.02% for SPYM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

KNGZ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.86 vs 1.80), 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.