PSCQ vs SPY
Pacer Swan SOS Conservative October 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 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PSCQ | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $46M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +7.72% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.44% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.51% | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 30, 2021 | Jan 22, 1993 |
PSCQ vs SPY Performance
Pacer Swan SOS Conservative October ETF (PSCQ) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year PSCQ returned +12.44% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, PSCQ is up 7.72% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Over three years, PSCQ compounded at +12.51% per year against +21.67% for SPY. Across the full 5-year window we track, PSCQ has the edge at +9.37% annualized vs +8.85%. 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 6.8% for PSCQ. 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 -9.9% for PSCQ 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PSCQ charges 0.49% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $9 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PSCQ currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
PSCQ and SPY share 0 holdings out of 504 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PSCQ or SPY?
PSCQ has an expense ratio of 0.49% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PSCQ or SPY?
Over the past year PSCQ returned +12.44% vs +22.91% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), PSCQ annualized +9.37% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PSCQ or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.8% for PSCQ. Worst drawdown: PSCQ -9.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both PSCQ and SPY?
PSCQ and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, 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 PSCQ and SPY?
PSCQ and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PSCQ or SPY?
PSCQ yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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