PATN vs SPY
Pacer Nasdaq International Patent Leaders ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. PATN delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PATN | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $234M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.67% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 108 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +29.34% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +49.30% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 16, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
PATN vs SPY Performance
Pacer Nasdaq International Patent Leaders ETF (PATN) 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 PATN returned +49.30% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, PATN is up 29.34% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PATN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.1% 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 -16.8% for PATN 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PATN charges 0.65% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $9 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PATN currently yields 1.67% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
PATN 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, PATN or SPY?
PATN has an expense ratio of 0.65% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PATN or SPY?
Over the past year PATN returned +49.30% vs +20.83% for SPY, so PATN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PATN annualized +37.13% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PATN or SPY?
PATN has been the more volatile fund at 21.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: PATN -16.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both PATN and SPY?
PATN and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PATN and SPY?
PATN and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 605 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PATN or SPY?
PATN yields 1.67% while SPY yields 1.01%, so PATN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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