PPH vs SPY
VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. PPH delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PPH | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.36% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $985M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.92% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 27 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +8.38% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.44% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.51% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.85% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 20, 2011 | Jan 22, 1993 |
PPH vs SPY Performance
VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF (PPH) 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 PPH returned +31.44% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, PPH is up 8.38% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, PPH compounded at +12.51% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +9.85% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 27-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +4.13%. 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 14.8% for PPH. 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 -56.6% for PPH 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PPH charges 0.36% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $36 vs $9 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PPH currently yields 1.92% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
PPH and SPY share 10 holdings out of 519 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PPH or SPY?
PPH has an expense ratio of 0.36% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PPH or SPY?
Over the past year PPH returned +31.44% vs +21.71% for SPY, so PPH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (27 years), PPH annualized +4.13% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PPH or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.8% for PPH. Worst drawdown: PPH -56.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both PPH and SPY?
PPH and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PPH and SPY?
PPH and SPY share 10 common holdings with a 4.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 519 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PPH or SPY?
PPH yields 1.92% while SPY yields 1.01%, so PPH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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