PFUT vs SPY
Putnam Sustainable Future 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 | PFUT | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.64% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $4M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 72 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +1.20% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.40% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.99% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.47% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -44.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Putnam Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 25, 2021 | Jan 22, 1993 |
PFUT vs SPY Performance
Putnam Sustainable Future ETF (PFUT) is a ETF from Putnam Investments and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year PFUT returned +4.40% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, PFUT is up 1.20% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, PFUT compounded at +10.99% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +0.47% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs +0.61%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PFUT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.0% 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 -44.9% for PFUT 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PFUT charges 0.64% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $64 vs $9 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PFUT currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
PFUT and SPY share 37 holdings out of 534 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PFUT or SPY?
PFUT has an expense ratio of 0.64% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PFUT or SPY?
Over the past year PFUT returned +4.40% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), PFUT annualized +0.61% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PFUT or SPY?
PFUT has been the more volatile fund at 20.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: PFUT -44.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both PFUT and SPY?
PFUT and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PFUT and SPY?
PFUT and SPY share 37 common holdings with a 6.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 534 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PFUT or SPY?
PFUT yields 0.00% 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.