PRNT vs SPY
The 3D Printing 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 | PRNT | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.66% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $59M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.73% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 44 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +17.44% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.41% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.68% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -6.99% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -66.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Ark Invest | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 18, 2016 | Jan 22, 1993 |
PRNT vs SPY Performance
The 3D Printing ETF (PRNT) is a ETF from Ark Invest and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year PRNT returned +19.41% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, PRNT is up 17.44% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, PRNT compounded at +6.68% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -6.99% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +3.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PRNT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.3% 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 -66.1% for PRNT 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PRNT charges 0.66% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $66 vs $9 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PRNT currently yields 0.73% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
PRNT and SPY share 10 holdings out of 537 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PRNT or SPY?
PRNT has an expense ratio of 0.66% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PRNT or SPY?
Over the past year PRNT returned +19.41% vs +21.71% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), PRNT annualized +3.21% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PRNT or SPY?
PRNT has been the more volatile fund at 26.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: PRNT -66.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both PRNT and SPY?
PRNT and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PRNT and SPY?
PRNT and SPY share 10 common holdings with a 1.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 537 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PRNT or SPY?
PRNT yields 0.73% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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