PEXL vs SPY
PEXL vs SPY
Pacer US Export Leaders ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. PEXL delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PEXL | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $50M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.29% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +19.09% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.59% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.71% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.68% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 23, 2018 | Jan 22, 1993 |
PEXL vs SPY Performance
Pacer US Export Leaders ETF (PEXL) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year PEXL returned +37.59% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, PEXL is up 19.09% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, PEXL compounded at +18.71% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +11.68% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, PEXL has the edge at +14.49% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PEXL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.0% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -36.9% for PEXL 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PEXL charges 0.60% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $9 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PEXL currently yields 0.29% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
PEXL and SPY share 72 holdings out of 532 unique holdings combined, representing a 32.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PEXL | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAPL | 5.30% | 7.09% | 1.79% |
| MSFT | 5.00% | 4.43% | 0.57% |
| GOOGL | 5.01% | 3.32% | 1.69% |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMAT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LRCX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings PEXL shares with SPY Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PEXL or SPY?
PEXL has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PEXL or SPY?
Over the past year PEXL returned +37.59% vs +23.66% for SPY, so PEXL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), PEXL annualized +14.49% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PEXL or SPY?
PEXL has been the more volatile fund at 22.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: PEXL -36.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both PEXL and SPY?
PEXL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, 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 PEXL and SPY?
PEXL and SPY share 72 common holdings with a 32.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 532 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PEXL or SPY?
PEXL yields 0.29% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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