PLTW vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPLTWSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.99%0.09%
AUM$102M$789.1B
Dividend Yield12.99%1.01%
Holdings5505
YTD Return-18.08%+13.75%
1Y Return-27.87%+22.91%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.67%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.32%
Volatility (annualized)76.5%15.3%
Max Drawdown-61.7%-56.5%
Fund FamilyRoundhill InvestmentsState Street Investment Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionFeb 19, 2025Jan 22, 1993

PLTW vs SPY Performance

Roundhill PLTR WeeklyPay ETF (PLTW) is a ETF from Roundhill Investments and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year PLTW returned -27.87% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, PLTW is down 18.08% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

PLTW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 76.5% 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 -61.7% for PLTW 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 0.11. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PLTW charges 0.99% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $99 vs $9 annually, a gap of $90 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PLTW currently yields 12.99% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.5%overlap

PLTW and SPY share 1 holdings out of 504 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in PLTWWeight in SPYDifference
PLTR19.87%0.47%19.40%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, PLTW or SPY?

PLTW has an expense ratio of 0.99% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $90 per year of difference.

Which performed better, PLTW or SPY?

Over the past year PLTW returned -27.87% vs +22.91% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PLTW annualized +33.16% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PLTW or SPY?

PLTW has been the more volatile fund at 76.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: PLTW -61.7% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both PLTW and SPY?

PLTW and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.11, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between PLTW and SPY?

PLTW and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, PLTW or SPY?

PLTW yields 12.99% while SPY yields 1.01%, so PLTW currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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