PFXF vs SPY
VanEck Preferred Securities ex Financials 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 | PFXF | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $2.4B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.42% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 117 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +3.32% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.97% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.77% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.19% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 16, 2012 | Jan 22, 1993 |
PFXF vs SPY Performance
VanEck Preferred Securities ex Financials ETF (PFXF) is a ETF from VanEck and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year PFXF returned +8.97% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, PFXF is up 3.32% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, PFXF compounded at +8.77% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +3.19% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +1.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 10.2% for PFXF. 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 -37.3% for PFXF 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
PFXF charges 0.40% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $9 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PFXF currently yields 6.42% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
PFXF and SPY share 6 holdings out of 604 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PFXF or SPY?
PFXF has an expense ratio of 0.40% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PFXF or SPY?
Over the past year PFXF returned +8.97% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), PFXF annualized +1.77% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PFXF or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.2% for PFXF. Worst drawdown: PFXF -37.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both PFXF and SPY?
PFXF 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 PFXF and SPY?
PFXF and SPY share 6 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 604 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PFXF or SPY?
PFXF yields 6.42% while SPY yields 1.01%, so PFXF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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