PIT vs SPY
PIT vs SPY
VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. PIT delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PIT | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $295M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.15% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 30 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +38.15% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +41.67% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.05% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 20, 2022 | Jan 22, 1993 |
PIT vs SPY Performance
VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF (PIT) 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 PIT returned +41.67% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, PIT is up 38.15% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, PIT compounded at +16.05% per year against +21.40% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, PIT has the edge at +14.12% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PIT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.9% 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 -17.2% for PIT 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 -0.07. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PIT charges 0.55% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $9 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PIT currently yields 7.15% against 1.01% for SPY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PIT or SPY?
PIT has an expense ratio of 0.55% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PIT or SPY?
Over the past year PIT returned +41.67% vs +23.66% for SPY, so PIT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), PIT annualized +14.12% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PIT or SPY?
PIT has been the more volatile fund at 17.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: PIT -17.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both PIT and SPY?
PIT and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of -0.07, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, PIT or SPY?
PIT yields 7.15% while SPY yields 1.01%, so PIT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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