BUL vs SPY
Pacer US Cash Cows Growth ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. BUL delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BUL | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $132M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.22% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +15.79% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.37% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.08% | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.28% | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 2, 2019 | Jan 22, 1993 |
BUL vs SPY Performance
Pacer US Cash Cows Growth ETF (BUL) 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 BUL returned +24.37% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, BUL is up 15.79% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Over three years, BUL compounded at +21.08% per year against +21.44% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +11.28% and +13.18% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, BUL has the edge at +14.47% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BUL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.8% 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 -37.3% for BUL 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUL 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, BUL currently yields 0.22% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
BUL and SPY share 12 holdings out of 542 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BUL or SPY?
BUL 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, BUL or SPY?
Over the past year BUL returned +24.37% vs +21.53% for SPY, so BUL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), BUL annualized +14.47% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUL or SPY?
BUL has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: BUL -37.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both BUL and SPY?
BUL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BUL and SPY?
BUL and SPY share 12 common holdings with a 1.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 542 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUL or SPY?
BUL yields 0.22% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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