PBOC vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPBOCSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.50%0.09%
AUM$45M$789.1B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.01%
Holdings7505
YTD Return+6.74%+13.68%
1Y Return+10.43%+21.53%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.44%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.18%
Volatility (annualized)4.6%15.3%
Max Drawdown-8.3%-56.5%
Fund FamilyPGIM InvestmentsState Street Investment Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionMay 16, 2024Jan 22, 1993

PBOC vs SPY Performance

PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - October (PBOC) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year PBOC returned +10.43% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, PBOC is up 6.74% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 4.6% for PBOC. 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 -8.3% for PBOC 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

PBOC 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, PBOC currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, PBOC or SPY?

PBOC 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, PBOC or SPY?

Over the past year PBOC returned +10.43% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PBOC annualized +10.26% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PBOC or SPY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 4.6% for PBOC. Worst drawdown: PBOC -8.3% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both PBOC and SPY?

PBOC 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.

Which pays a higher dividend, PBOC or SPY?

PBOC yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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