PY vs SPY
PY vs SPY
Principal Value 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 | PY | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $235M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.14% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 100 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +10.44% | +13.28% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.72% | +23.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.52% | +21.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.03% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Principal Funds | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 21, 2016 | Jan 22, 1993 |
PY vs SPY Performance
Principal Value ETF (PY) is a ETF from Principal Funds and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year PY returned +16.72% while SPY returned +23.94%. Year to date, PY is up 10.44% versus a gain of 13.28% for SPY.
Over three years, PY compounded at +13.52% per year against +21.07% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +9.03% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, PY has the edge at +9.84% annualized vs +8.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.2% 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 -45.5% for PY 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PY charges 0.15% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $9 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PY currently yields 2.14% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
PY and SPY share 93 holdings out of 509 unique holdings combined, representing a 28.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PY | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAPL | 8.97% | 7.09% | 1.88% |
| AMZN | 2.86% | 3.69% | 0.83% |
| WMT | 2.22% | 0.75% | 1.47% |
| BAC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JNJ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| UNH | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MRK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| XOM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings PY 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, PY or SPY?
PY has an expense ratio of 0.15% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PY or SPY?
Over the past year PY returned +16.72% vs +23.94% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), PY annualized +9.84% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PY or SPY?
PY has been the more volatile fund at 19.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: PY -45.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both PY and SPY?
PY and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PY and SPY?
PY and SPY share 93 common holdings with a 28.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 509 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PY or SPY?
PY yields 2.14% while SPY yields 1.01%, so PY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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