PCLG vs SPY
Polen Focus 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PCLG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $88M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.04% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 26 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -6.08% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | -8.25% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | - | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Polen Capital | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 30, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
PCLG vs SPY Performance
Polen Focus Growth ETF (PCLG) is a ETF from Polen Capital and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year PCLG returned -8.25% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, PCLG is down 6.08% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -23.8% for PCLG and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PCLG charges 0.49% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $9 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PCLG currently yields 0.04% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
PCLG and SPY share 23 holdings out of 508 unique holdings combined, representing a 30.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PCLG or SPY?
PCLG has an expense ratio of 0.49% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PCLG or SPY?
Over the past year PCLG returned -8.25% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
What is the holdings overlap between PCLG and SPY?
PCLG and SPY share 23 common holdings with a 30.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 508 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PCLG or SPY?
PCLG yields 0.04% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.