LCAP vs SPY
Principal Capital Appreciation Select ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. LCAP delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LCAP | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.8B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.09% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 58 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +14.62% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.15% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Principal Funds | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 25, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
LCAP vs SPY Performance
Principal Capital Appreciation Select ETF (LCAP) 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 LCAP returned +24.15% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, LCAP is up 14.62% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 10.8% for LCAP. 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 -11.3% for LCAP 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LCAP charges 0.29% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $9 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LCAP currently yields 0.09% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
LCAP and SPY share 45 holdings out of 512 unique holdings combined, representing a 46.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LCAP or SPY?
LCAP has an expense ratio of 0.29% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LCAP or SPY?
Over the past year LCAP returned +24.15% vs +22.91% for SPY, so LCAP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), LCAP annualized +25.15% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LCAP or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.8% for LCAP. Worst drawdown: LCAP -11.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both LCAP and SPY?
LCAP and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between LCAP and SPY?
LCAP and SPY share 45 common holdings with a 46.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 512 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LCAP or SPY?
LCAP yields 0.09% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.