PTLC vs SPY
PTLC vs SPY
Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PTLC | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $3.2B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 506 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +4.54% | +9.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.30% | +19.50% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.76% | +19.33% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.53% | +12.82% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 65542.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 11, 2015 | Jan 22, 1993 |
PTLC vs SPY Performance
Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF (PTLC) 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 PTLC returned +12.30% while SPY returned +19.50%. Year to date, PTLC is up 4.54% versus a gain of 9.93% for SPY.
Over three years, PTLC compounded at +11.76% per year against +19.33% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +9.53% and +12.82% respectively. Across the full 21-year window we track, PTLC has the edge at +36.83% annualized vs +8.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PTLC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 65542.9% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -100.0% for PTLC 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 -0.06. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PTLC 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, PTLC currently yields 1.01% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
PTLC and SPY share 485 holdings out of 511 unique holdings combined, representing a 98.2% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PTLC | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 7.33% | 7.31% | 0.02% |
| AAPL | 7.04% | 7.09% | 0.05% |
| MSFT | 4.50% | 4.43% | 0.07% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings PTLC shares with SPY Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PTLC or SPY?
PTLC 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, PTLC or SPY?
Over the past year PTLC returned +12.30% vs +19.50% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (21 years), PTLC annualized +36.83% vs +8.74% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PTLC or SPY?
PTLC has been the more volatile fund at 65542.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: PTLC -100.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both PTLC and SPY?
PTLC and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of -0.06, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PTLC and SPY?
PTLC and SPY share 485 common holdings with a 98.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 511 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PTLC or SPY?
PTLC yields 1.01% while SPY yields 1.01%, so PTLC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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