ALTL vs SPY
Pacer Lunt Large Cap Alternator 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 | ALTL | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $92M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.85% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +10.59% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.73% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.46% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.88% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 24, 2020 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ALTL vs SPY Performance
Pacer Lunt Large Cap Alternator ETF (ALTL) 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 ALTL returned +17.73% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, ALTL is up 10.59% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, ALTL compounded at +9.46% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +2.88% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, ALTL has the edge at +12.78% annualized vs +8.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ALTL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.0% 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 -31.9% for ALTL 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ALTL 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, ALTL currently yields 0.85% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
ALTL and SPY share 98 holdings out of 506 unique holdings combined, representing a 21.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ALTL or SPY?
ALTL 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, ALTL or SPY?
Over the past year ALTL returned +17.73% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), ALTL annualized +12.78% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ALTL or SPY?
ALTL has been the more volatile fund at 20.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: ALTL -31.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ALTL and SPY?
ALTL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ALTL and SPY?
ALTL and SPY share 98 common holdings with a 21.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ALTL or SPY?
ALTL yields 0.85% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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