PJFG vs SPY
PGIM Jennison Focused 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 | PJFG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $143M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 35 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +5.80% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.65% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.67% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 12, 2022 | Jan 22, 1993 |
PJFG vs SPY Performance
PGIM Jennison Focused Growth ETF (PJFG) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year PJFG returned +12.65% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, PJFG is up 5.80% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, PJFG compounded at +22.67% per year against +21.98% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, PJFG has the edge at +25.81% annualized vs +8.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PJFG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.5% 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 -24.2% for PJFG 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
PJFG charges 0.75% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $9 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PJFG currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
PJFG and SPY share 30 holdings out of 511 unique holdings combined, representing a 42.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PJFG or SPY?
PJFG has an expense ratio of 0.75% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PJFG or SPY?
Over the past year PJFG returned +12.65% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), PJFG annualized +25.81% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PJFG or SPY?
PJFG has been the more volatile fund at 18.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: PJFG -24.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both PJFG and SPY?
PJFG 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 PJFG and SPY?
PJFG and SPY share 30 common holdings with a 42.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 511 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PJFG or SPY?
PJFG yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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