PCI vs SPY

PCI vs SPY
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Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPCISPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.25%0.09%
AUM$530M$821.1B
Dividend Yield5.49%1.01%
Holdings286505
YTD Return-2.98%+12.22%
1Y Return-0.80%+20.83%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.70%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.98%
Volatility (annualized)3.9%15.3%
Max Drawdown-4.5%-56.5%
Fund FamilyPGIM InvestmentsState Street Investment Management
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionJul 29, 2025Jan 22, 1993

PCI vs SPY Performance

PGIM Corporate Bond 5-10 Year ETF (PCI) 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 PCI returned -0.80% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, PCI is down 2.98% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 3.9% for PCI. 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 -4.5% for PCI 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PCI charges 0.25% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $9 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PCI currently yields 5.49% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.2%overlap

PCI and SPY share 1 holdings out of 663 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in PCIWeight in SPYDifference
BK0.56%0.16%0.40%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, PCI or SPY?

PCI has an expense ratio of 0.25% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.

Which performed better, PCI or SPY?

Over the past year PCI returned -0.80% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), PCI annualized -0.67% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PCI or SPY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 3.9% for PCI. Worst drawdown: PCI -4.5% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both PCI and SPY?

PCI and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between PCI and SPY?

PCI and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 663 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, PCI or SPY?

PCI yields 5.49% while SPY yields 1.01%, so PCI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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