BULD vs SPY
Pacer BlueStar Engineering the Future ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. BULD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BULD | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $15M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.79% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 59 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +42.16% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +60.46% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.04% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 27.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -27.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 4, 2022 | Jan 22, 1993 |
BULD vs SPY Performance
Pacer BlueStar Engineering the Future ETF (BULD) 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 BULD returned +60.46% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, BULD is up 42.16% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, BULD compounded at +24.04% per year against +21.70% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, BULD has the edge at +16.67% annualized vs +8.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BULD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.6% 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 -27.6% for BULD 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BULD charges 0.49% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $9 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BULD currently yields 0.79% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
BULD and SPY share 8 holdings out of 557 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BULD or SPY?
BULD has an expense ratio of 0.49% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BULD or SPY?
Over the past year BULD returned +60.46% vs +21.96% for SPY, so BULD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), BULD annualized +16.67% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BULD or SPY?
BULD has been the more volatile fund at 27.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: BULD -27.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both BULD and SPY?
BULD and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BULD and SPY?
BULD and SPY share 8 common holdings with a 2.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 557 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BULD or SPY?
BULD yields 0.79% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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