PWS vs SPY
PWS vs SPY
Pacer WealthShield 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 | PWS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $24M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.29% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 235 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +0.88% | +13.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.57% | +23.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.84% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.78% | +13.46% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 11, 2017 | Jan 22, 1993 |
PWS vs SPY Performance
Pacer WealthShield ETF (PWS) 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 PWS returned +5.57% while SPY returned +23.56%. Year to date, PWS is up 0.88% versus a gain of 13.50% for SPY.
Over three years, PWS compounded at +6.84% per year against +21.17% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +1.78% and +13.46% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +4.43%. 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 12.5% for PWS. 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 -24.9% for PWS 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PWS 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, PWS currently yields 1.29% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
PWS and SPY share 188 holdings out of 644 unique holdings combined, representing a 31.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PWS | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 3.99% | 7.31% | 3.32% |
| AAPL | 3.83% | 7.09% | 3.26% |
| MSFT | 2.45% | 4.43% | 1.98% |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WELL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PLD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CAT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings PWS 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, PWS or SPY?
PWS 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, PWS or SPY?
Over the past year PWS returned +5.57% vs +23.56% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), PWS annualized +4.43% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PWS or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.5% for PWS. Worst drawdown: PWS -24.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both PWS and SPY?
PWS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PWS and SPY?
PWS and SPY share 188 common holdings with a 31.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 644 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PWS or SPY?
PWS yields 1.29% while SPY yields 1.01%, so PWS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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