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Security Comparison

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

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

Data updated August 5, 2026

Best for

  • FXAIXInvestors who want broad equity exposure.
  • SPYMInvestors who want simple, diversified core exposure in one low-cost fund.

Jump to the side-by-side numbers

ETFs180
Total AUM$2039B

ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks β€” 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 SPYM.

Side-by-side snapshot

FXAIXSPYM
Full nameFidelity 500 Index FundSPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF
IssuerFidelity InvestmentsState Street
Last Close$268.51 as of August 5, 2026$90.61 as of August 5, 2026
Distribution yield1.04%1.06%
Distribution Safety Scoreβ„’ 99100
Expense ratio0.49%0.02%
AUM$828B$157B
Distribution frequencyQuarterlyQuarterly
Underlying indexβ€”S&P 500 Index
Objectiveβ€”Tracks the S&P 500 Index, providing broad U.S. large-cap equity exposure at a low cost.
Asset classEquityEquity
Inception date02/17/198811/08/2005
Beta1.01.0
Last dividend$0.6950$0.2390
Ex-dividend date07/10/202606/12/2026

Bottom lineChoose FXAIX if you want broad equity exposure. Choose SPYM 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.

Total returns

FXAIX has outpaced SPYM over the trailing twelve months, posting a 23.46% total return against 23.41%. The lead holds up over 10 years too: FXAIX has compounded at 15.50% a year, against 15.45% for SPYM. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested.

SymbolYTD1Y3Y5Y10YSince May 2011Volatility Sharpe Sortino Max drawdown
FXAIX13.33%23.46%21.32%13.57%15.50%14.18%15.1%0.991.43-18.5%
SPYM13.30%23.41%21.15%13.48%15.45%14.08%15.1%0.981.42-18.7%

Total return with all distributions reinvested on the ex-dividend date, split-adjusted, as of August 5, 2026. YTD and 1Y are cumulative; longer windows are annualized. β€œSince May 2011” measures every fund from May 10, 2011 β€” the youngest fund's first trading day β€” so all funds share one comparison window. Volatility is the annualized standard deviation of daily total returns over the trailing 3 years. Sharpe and Sortino divide the annualized return in excess of the risk-free rate by, respectively, that volatility and the downside deviation (both over the trailing 3 years) β€” higher is better. Max drawdown is the largest peak-to-trough total-return decline over the same window β€” shallower is better.

Quick verdict

FXAIX (Fidelity 500 Index Fund) is a mutual fund, while SPYM (SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF) is an ETF β€” they take fundamentally different approaches.

SPYM offers the higher yield at 1.06% vs 1.04% for FXAIX. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.

SPYM is cheaper with an expense ratio of 0.02% 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 $8.67/month, while SPYM would produce $8.83/month, at current distribution rates. Both pay quarterly distributions.

FXAIX yield1.04%
SPYM yield1.06%
Monthly diff on $10K$0.17

Cost & efficiency

Over 10 years on $10,000, FXAIX would cost approximately $490 in fees vs $20 for SPYM (simplified, not compounded). The $470.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.

FXAIX ER0.49%
SPYM ER0.02%

Strategy & risk

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

FXAIX beta1.0
SPYM beta1.0

Fund details

FXAIX is managed by Fidelity Investments (launched 02/17/1988) with $828B in assets. SPYM is managed by State Street (launched 11/08/2005) with $157B in assets.

FXAIX AUM$828B
SPYM AUM$157B

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Frequently asked questions

What is the current distribution yield for FXAIX and SPYM?

FXAIX currently distributes 1.04% and SPYM 1.06%, based on fund data updated August 2026. Distribution yield moves with both the payout and the share price, so check the as-of date before relying on either figure.

Is FXAIX or SPYM better for dividend income?

It depends on your goals. SPYM 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 SPYM?

FXAIX (Fidelity 500 Index Fund) is a mutual fund, while SPYM (SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF) 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 SPYM?

Yes β€” 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 SPYM?

FXAIX has an expense ratio of 0.49% while SPYM charges 0.02%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.

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

At current rates, $10,000 in FXAIX would generate roughly $8.67 per month ($104.00 annually). The same in SPYM would produce about $8.83 per month ($106.00 annually).

Which has performed better historically, FXAIX or SPYM?

FXAIX has outpaced SPYM over the trailing twelve months, posting a 23.46% total return against 23.41%. The lead holds up over 10 years too: FXAIX has compounded at 15.50% a year, against 15.45% for SPYM. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

More comparisons to explore

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