PCL 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

MetricPCLSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.25%0.09%
AUM$74M$789.1B
Dividend Yield5.76%1.01%
Holdings168505
YTD Return-5.28%+13.39%
1Y Return-3.75%+22.52%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.36%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.19%
Volatility (annualized)7.7%15.3%
Max Drawdown-9.0%-56.5%
Fund FamilyPGIM InvestmentsState Street Investment Management
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionJul 29, 2025Jan 22, 1993

PCL vs SPY Performance

PGIM Corporate Bond 10+ Year ETF (PCL) 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 PCL returned -3.75% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, PCL is down 5.28% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 7.7% for PCL. 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 -9.0% for PCL 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 0.39. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PCL 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, PCL currently yields 5.76% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

PCL and SPY share 0 holdings out of 627 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, PCL or SPY?

PCL 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, PCL or SPY?

Over the past year PCL returned -3.75% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), PCL annualized -3.62% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PCL or SPY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 7.7% for PCL. Worst drawdown: PCL -9.0% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both PCL and SPY?

PCL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.39, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between PCL and SPY?

PCL and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 627 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, PCL or SPY?

PCL yields 5.76% while SPY yields 1.01%, so PCL currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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