PULT 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

MetricPULTSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.25%0.09%
AUM$37M$789.1B
Dividend Yield4.65%1.01%
Holdings438505
YTD Return+1.22%+11.49%
1Y Return+4.19%+21.37%
3Y Return (annualized)+5.33%+20.76%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.94%
Volatility (annualized)0.6%15.3%
Max Drawdown-0.4%-56.5%
Fund FamilyFranklin Templeton Investments (US)State Street Investment Management
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionJan 19, 2023Jan 22, 1993

PULT vs SPY Performance

Putnam ESG Ultra Short ETF (PULT) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year PULT returned +4.19% while SPY returned +21.37%. Year to date, PULT is up 1.22% versus a gain of 11.49% for SPY.

Over three years, PULT compounded at +5.33% per year against +20.76% for SPY. Across the full 3-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.78% annualized vs +5.23%. 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 0.6% for PULT. 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 -0.4% for PULT 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 0.31. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PULT charges 0.25% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $9 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PULT currently yields 4.65% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.2%overlap

PULT and SPY share 2 holdings out of 823 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in PULTWeight in SPYDifference
WEC0.47%0.06%0.41%
MAR0.26%0.13%0.13%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, PULT or SPY?

PULT has an expense ratio of 0.25% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.

Which performed better, PULT or SPY?

Over the past year PULT returned +4.19% vs +21.37% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), PULT annualized +5.23% vs +8.78% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PULT or SPY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 0.6% for PULT. Worst drawdown: PULT -0.4% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both PULT and SPY?

PULT and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.31, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between PULT and SPY?

PULT and SPY share 2 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 823 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, PULT or SPY?

PULT yields 4.65% while SPY yields 1.01%, so PULT currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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