MILK vs SPY
Pacer US Cash Cows Bond 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 | MILK | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $18M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.95% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -1.16% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | -1.02% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 17, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
MILK vs SPY Performance
Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF (MILK) 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 MILK returned -1.02% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, MILK is down 1.16% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 5.4% for MILK. 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 -6.2% for MILK 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MILK 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, MILK currently yields 6.95% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
MILK and SPY share 0 holdings out of 605 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MILK or SPY?
MILK 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, MILK or SPY?
Over the past year MILK returned -1.02% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), MILK annualized +2.13% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MILK or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 5.4% for MILK. Worst drawdown: MILK -6.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both MILK and SPY?
MILK and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MILK and SPY?
MILK and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 605 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MILK or SPY?
MILK yields 6.95% while SPY yields 1.01%, so MILK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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