PTBD vs SPY
PTBD vs SPY
Pacer Trendpilot US Bond ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. PTBD offers more diversification with 677 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PTBD | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $85M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.89% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 901 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +1.14% | +9.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.24% | +19.50% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.66% | +19.33% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.77% | +12.82% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 22, 2019 | Jan 22, 1993 |
PTBD vs SPY Performance
Pacer Trendpilot US Bond ETF (PTBD) 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 PTBD returned +2.24% while SPY returned +19.50%. Year to date, PTBD is up 1.14% versus a gain of 9.93% for SPY.
Over three years, PTBD compounded at +4.66% per year against +19.33% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -1.77% and +12.82% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.74% annualized vs +0.38%. 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 7.3% for PTBD. 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 -26.0% for PTBD 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PTBD 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, PTBD currently yields 5.89% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
PTBD and SPY share 0 holdings out of 1180 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, PTBD or SPY?
PTBD 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, PTBD or SPY?
Over the past year PTBD returned +2.24% vs +19.50% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), PTBD annualized +0.38% vs +8.74% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PTBD or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 7.3% for PTBD. Worst drawdown: PTBD -26.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both PTBD and SPY?
PTBD and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PTBD and SPY?
PTBD and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1180 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PTBD or SPY?
PTBD yields 5.89% while SPY yields 1.01%, so PTBD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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