PAWZ vs SPY
Proshares Pet Care 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PAWZ | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $34M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.69% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 28 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -2.61% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | -8.17% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +2.66% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -8.03% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -50.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 5, 2018 | Jan 22, 1993 |
PAWZ vs SPY Performance
Proshares Pet Care ETF (PAWZ) is a ETF from ProShares and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year PAWZ returned -8.17% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, PAWZ is down 2.61% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, PAWZ compounded at +2.66% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -8.03% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs +4.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PAWZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.8% 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 -50.1% for PAWZ 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PAWZ charges 0.50% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $9 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PAWZ currently yields 0.69% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
PAWZ and SPY share 8 holdings out of 523 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PAWZ or SPY?
PAWZ has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PAWZ or SPY?
Over the past year PAWZ returned -8.17% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), PAWZ annualized +4.07% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PAWZ or SPY?
PAWZ has been the more volatile fund at 21.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: PAWZ -50.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both PAWZ and SPY?
PAWZ and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PAWZ and SPY?
PAWZ and SPY share 8 common holdings with a 0.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 523 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PAWZ or SPY?
PAWZ yields 0.69% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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