FLRT vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFLRTSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.60%0.09%
AUM$657M$789.1B
Dividend Yield6.77%1.01%
Holdings274505
YTD Return+2.51%+13.50%
1Y Return+5.26%+23.56%
3Y Return (annualized)+7.92%+21.17%
5Y Return (annualized)+6.12%+13.46%
Volatility (annualized)5.3%15.3%
Max Drawdown-25.8%-56.5%
Fund FamilyPacer ETFsState Street Investment Management
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionFeb 18, 2015Jan 22, 1993

FLRT vs SPY Performance

Pacer Aristotle Pacific Floating Rate High Income ETF (FLRT) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year FLRT returned +5.26% while SPY returned +23.56%. Year to date, FLRT is up 2.51% versus a gain of 13.50% for SPY.

Over three years, FLRT compounded at +7.92% per year against +21.17% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +6.12% and +13.46% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +2.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 5.3% for FLRT. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -25.8% for FLRT and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

FLRT charges 0.60% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $9 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLRT currently yields 6.77% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

FLRT and SPY share 0 holdings out of 679 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, FLRT or SPY?

FLRT has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.

Which performed better, FLRT or SPY?

Over the past year FLRT returned +5.26% vs +23.56% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), FLRT annualized +2.54% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, FLRT or SPY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 5.3% for FLRT. Worst drawdown: FLRT -25.8% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both FLRT and SPY?

FLRT and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between FLRT and SPY?

FLRT and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 679 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, FLRT or SPY?

FLRT yields 6.77% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FLRT currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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