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Security Comparison

FXAIX vs SPY: Which Is the Better Pick in 2026?

A head-to-head comparison of Fidelity 500 Index Fund and SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.

Data updated July 15, 2026

ETFs182
Total AUM$2117B

ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks — the issuer's full lineup may be larger.

State Street Global Advisors (SSGA) is one of the largest ETF providers globally, known for its flagship SPDR suite of exchange-traded products that serve both institutional and retail investors across a broad range of asset classes. Their 88-fund lineup spans diverse strategies including sector exposure (Select Sector SPDR), income generation (Income and Select Sector SPDR Premium Income families), commodities (including the widely-held GLD gold ETF), bonds, ESG-focused investments, and thematic allocations, with popular tickers like DIA (Diamonds Trust), FEZ (Eurozone exposure), and JNK (high-yield bonds) among their most recognized funds. The issuer is characterized by its comprehensive coverage across multiple market segments and its emphasis on both traditional index-based products and specialized strategies like covered call income funds and factor-based investing.

See our curated list of related YouTube videos on SPY.

Side-by-side snapshot

FXAIXSPY
Full nameFidelity 500 Index FundSPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
IssuerFidelity InvestmentsState Street
Last Close$261.18 as of July 15, 2026$751.83 as of July 15, 2026
Distribution yield1.06%1.01%
Distribution Safety Score 98100
Expense ratio0.49%0.10%
AUM$828B$783B
Distribution frequencyQuarterlyQuarterly
Underlying indexS&P 500 Index
ObjectiveTrack the S&P 500 Index before expenses.
Asset classEquityEquity
Inception date02/17/198801/22/1993
Beta1.01.0
Last dividend$0.6950$1.9035
Ex-dividend date04/10/202609/18/2026

Bottom lineChoose FXAIX if you want broad equity exposure. Choose SPY if you want simple, diversified core exposure in one low-cost fund.

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Visual comparison

Key metrics

Projected income on $10K

Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.

Quick verdict

FXAIX (Fidelity 500 Index Fund) is a mutual fund, while SPY (SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust) is an ETF — they take fundamentally different approaches.

FXAIX offers the higher yield at 1.06% vs 1.01% for SPY. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.

SPY is cheaper with an expense ratio of 0.10% compared to 0.49%.

FXAIX is the larger fund by assets ($828B), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.

Deep dive

Yield & income

On a $10,000 investment, FXAIX would generate roughly $8.83/month, while SPY would produce $8.42/month, at current distribution rates. Both pay quarterly distributions.

FXAIX yield1.06%
SPY yield1.01%
Monthly diff on $10K$0.42

Cost & efficiency

Over 10 years on $10,000, FXAIX would cost approximately $490 in fees vs $100 for SPY (simplified, not compounded). The $390.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.

FXAIX ER0.49%
SPY ER0.10%

Strategy & risk

FXAIX is a mutual fund, while SPY tracks S&P 500 Index with a large cap approach.

FXAIX beta1.0
SPY beta1.0

Fund details

FXAIX is managed by Fidelity Investments (launched 02/17/1988) with $828B in assets. SPY is managed by State Street (launched 01/22/1993) with $783B in assets.

FXAIX AUM$828B
SPY AUM$783B

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Frequently asked questions

Is FXAIX or SPY better for dividend income?

It depends on your goals. FXAIX currently offers the higher distribution yield, which means more income per dollar invested. However, a lower-yield fund may offer better total return or lower volatility. Consider your time horizon and risk tolerance.

What is the difference between FXAIX and SPY?

FXAIX (Fidelity 500 Index Fund) is a mutual fund, while SPY (SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust) tracks S&P 500 Index with a large cap approach. They are issued by Fidelity Investments and State Street respectively.

Can I hold both FXAIX and SPY?

Yes — nothing prevents holding both. Whether the combination actually diversifies depends on how much the underlying exposures overlap, which isn't fully measurable from the data on this page; review each security's holdings, sector, and strategy before treating them as complementary.

Which has lower fees, FXAIX or SPY?

FXAIX has an expense ratio of 0.49% while SPY charges 0.10%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.

How much income does $10,000 in FXAIX vs SPY generate?

At current rates, $10,000 in FXAIX would generate roughly $8.83 per month ($106.00 annually). The same in SPY would produce about $8.42 per month ($101.00 annually).

More comparisons to explore

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