PALC vs SPY
Pacer Lunt Large Cap Multi-Factor 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 | PALC | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $211M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.02% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 181 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +10.76% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.29% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.66% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.92% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 24, 2020 | Jan 22, 1993 |
PALC vs SPY Performance
Pacer Lunt Large Cap Multi-Factor Alternator ETF (PALC) 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 PALC returned +16.29% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, PALC is up 10.76% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, PALC compounded at +15.66% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.92% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, PALC has the edge at +16.03% annualized vs +8.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PALC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.3% 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 -24.4% for PALC 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PALC 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, PALC currently yields 1.02% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
PALC and SPY share 175 holdings out of 506 unique holdings combined, representing a 26.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PALC or SPY?
PALC 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, PALC or SPY?
Over the past year PALC returned +16.29% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), PALC annualized +16.03% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PALC or SPY?
PALC has been the more volatile fund at 17.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: PALC -24.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both PALC and SPY?
PALC and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PALC and SPY?
PALC and SPY share 175 common holdings with a 26.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PALC or SPY?
PALC yields 1.02% while SPY yields 1.01%, so PALC 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.