PLDR vs SPY
Putnam Sustainable Leaders 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 | PLDR | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $3M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.35% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 56 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +1.55% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.67% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.88% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.14% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -29.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Putnam Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 25, 2021 | Jan 22, 1993 |
PLDR vs SPY Performance
Putnam Sustainable Leaders ETF (PLDR) 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 PLDR returned +15.67% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, PLDR is up 1.55% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, PLDR compounded at +16.88% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +9.14% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, PLDR has the edge at +9.09% annualized vs +8.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PLDR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% 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 -29.6% for PLDR 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 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PLDR charges 0.59% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $9 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PLDR currently yields 0.35% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
PLDR and SPY share 43 holdings out of 513 unique holdings combined, representing a 43.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PLDR or SPY?
PLDR has an expense ratio of 0.59% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PLDR or SPY?
Over the past year PLDR returned +15.67% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), PLDR annualized +9.09% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PLDR or SPY?
PLDR has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: PLDR -29.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both PLDR and SPY?
PLDR and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, 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 PLDR and SPY?
PLDR and SPY share 43 common holdings with a 43.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 513 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PLDR or SPY?
PLDR yields 0.35% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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