SPY vs. FXU

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

SPY (State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF) and FXU (First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - SPY is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index, while FXU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the StrataQuant Utilities Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SPY returned 15.42%/yr vs 9.38%/yr for FXU. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SPY charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.62%/yr for FXU.

Performance

SPY vs. FXU - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SPY achieves a 9.07% return, which is significantly higher than FXU's 8.19% return. Over the past 10 years, SPY has outperformed FXU with an annualized return of 15.42%, while FXU has yielded a comparatively lower 9.38% annualized return.

SPY

• 1D: 0.54%
• 1M: -0.86%
• YTD: 9.07%
• 6M: 9.42%
• 1Y: 25.67%
• 3Y*: 20.86%
• 5Y*: 13.36%
• 10Y*: 15.42%

FXU

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: 0.66%
• YTD: 8.19%
• 6M: 8.80%
• 1Y: 17.67%
• 3Y*: 17.64%
• 5Y*: 11.71%
• 10Y*: 9.38%

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

SPY vs. FXU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SPY State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF	9.07%	17.72%	24.89%	26.18%	-18.18%	28.73%	18.33%	31.22%	-4.57%	21.71%
FXU First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund	8.19%	21.86%	22.50%	-2.12%	3.68%	17.67%	1.53%	11.67%	5.43%	0.98%

Correlation

The correlation between SPY and FXU is 0.13, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.13
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.31
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.42
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.46
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 10, 2007	0.57

Over the past year, the correlation between SPY and FXU has dropped to 0.13 - well below their long-term average of 0.57, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

SPY vs. FXU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SPY	FXU
Technology	35.9%	-
Financial Services	11.8%	-
Communication Services	11.3%	-
Consumer Cyclical	10.3%	-
Healthcare	8.4%	-
Industrials	7.8%	4.2%
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	-
Energy	3.6%	3.7%
Utilities	2.4%	92.0%
Real Estate	1.9%	-
Basic Materials	1.8%	-

Return for Risk

SPY vs. FXU — Risk / Return Rank

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

SPY

SPY Risk / Return Rank: 70
SPY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
SPY Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
SPY Omega Ratio Rank: 71
SPY Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
SPY Martin Ratio Rank: 76

FXU

FXU Risk / Return Rank: 39
FXU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
FXU Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
FXU Omega Ratio Rank: 36
FXU Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
FXU Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

SPY vs. FXU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) and First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund (FXU). 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.

	SPY	FXU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.98	1.26	+0.73
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.68	1.75	+0.94
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.21	+0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.74	1.93	+0.82
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.39	5.17	+7.22

SPY vs. FXU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SPY Sharpe Ratio is 1.98, which is higher than the FXU Sharpe Ratio of 1.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SPY and FXU, 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

SPY vs. FXU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SPY drawdown since its inception was -55.19%, which is greater than FXU's maximum drawdown of -49.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SPY and FXU.

Drawdown Indicators

	SPY	FXU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.19%	-49.00%	-6.19%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.88%	-8.63%	-0.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.76%	-17.46%	-1.30%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.50%	-21.87%	-2.63%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.72%	-34.81%	+1.09%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.35%	-5.57%	+3.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.04%	-7.63%	-1.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.97%	3.22%	-1.25%

Volatility

SPY vs. FXU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) is 4.34%, while First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund (FXU) has a volatility of 5.01%. This indicates that SPY experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FXU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SPY	FXU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.34%	5.01%	-0.67%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.58%	10.33%	-0.75%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.29%	13.30%	-1.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.12%	16.61%	+0.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.96%	18.34%	-0.38%

SPY vs. FXU - Expense Ratio Comparison

SPY has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than FXU's 0.62% expense ratio.

Dividends

SPY vs. FXU - Dividend Comparison

SPY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.00%, less than FXU's 2.16% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FXU First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund	2.16%	2.29%	2.41%	2.52%	2.03%	2.00%	3.97%	2.34%	2.40%	3.81%	2.62%	3.90%
SPY State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF	1.00%	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 SPY and FXU in my portfolio?

SPY and FXU have a correlation of 0.13, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SPY or FXU?

FXU has higher volatility (5.01%) compared to SPY (4.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SPY dropped -55.19% vs FXU's -49.00%.

Which ETF is better, SPY or FXU?

On 10-year performance, SPY leads with 15.42% vs 9.38% for FXU. On fees, SPY is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, SPY has been the lower-risk option at 4.34%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SPY or FXU?

Over the 10-year period, SPY has performed better with a 15.42% return vs 9.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SPY or FXU?

SPY is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.62% for FXU.

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

FXU has the higher dividend yield at 2.16%, compared with 1.00% for SPY.

What is the main difference between SPY and FXU?

SPY is categorized as S&P 500, while FXU is Utilities Equities. SPY tracks S&P 500 Index, while FXU tracks StrataQuant Utilities Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for SPY and 0.62% for FXU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.98 vs 1.26), 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.