PCGG vs SPY
Polen Capital Global Growth 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 | PCGG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | - | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 37 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -2.21% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | -4.62% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.94% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -22.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iMGP Funds | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 30, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
PCGG vs SPY Performance
Polen Capital Global Growth ETF (PCGG) is a ETF from iMGP Funds and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year PCGG returned -4.62% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, PCGG is down 2.21% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, PCGG compounded at +4.94% per year against +21.70% for SPY. Across the full 3-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs +4.94%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 15.2% for PCGG. 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 -22.7% for PCGG 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PCGG charges 0.85% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $9 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PCGG currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
PCGG and SPY share 20 holdings out of 515 unique holdings combined, representing a 27.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PCGG or SPY?
PCGG has an expense ratio of 0.85% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PCGG or SPY?
Over the past year PCGG returned -4.62% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), PCGG annualized +4.94% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PCGG or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.2% for PCGG. Worst drawdown: PCGG -22.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both PCGG and SPY?
PCGG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between PCGG and SPY?
PCGG and SPY share 20 common holdings with a 27.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 515 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PCGG or SPY?
PCGG yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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