PCIG vs SPY
PCIG vs SPY
Polen Capital International 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 | PCIG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $26M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.15% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 33 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -0.77% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | -3.22% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iMGP Funds | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 1, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
PCIG vs SPY Performance
Polen Capital International Growth ETF (PCIG) 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 PCIG returned -3.22% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, PCIG is down 0.77% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.2% for PCIG. 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 -23.4% for PCIG 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
PCIG 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, PCIG currently yields 0.15% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
PCIG and SPY share 3 holdings out of 530 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PCIG or SPY?
PCIG 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, PCIG or SPY?
Over the past year PCIG returned -3.22% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PCIG annualized -3.63% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PCIG or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.2% for PCIG. Worst drawdown: PCIG -23.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both PCIG and SPY?
PCIG 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 PCIG and SPY?
PCIG and SPY share 3 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 530 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PCIG or SPY?
PCIG yields 0.15% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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