PSCU vs SPY
Invesco S&P SmallCap Utilities & Communication Services 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 | PSCU | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $17M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.96% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 40 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +14.02% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.21% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.78% | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.05% | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -30.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 7, 2010 | Jan 22, 1993 |
PSCU vs SPY Performance
Invesco S&P SmallCap Utilities & Communication Services ETF (PSCU) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year PSCU returned +20.21% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, PSCU is up 14.02% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Over three years, PSCU compounded at +6.78% per year against +21.44% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +1.05% and +13.18% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +6.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PSCU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -30.4% for PSCU 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PSCU charges 0.29% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $9 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PSCU currently yields 0.96% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
PSCU and SPY share 0 holdings out of 537 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, PSCU or SPY?
PSCU has an expense ratio of 0.29% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PSCU or SPY?
Over the past year PSCU returned +20.21% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PSCU annualized +6.49% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PSCU or SPY?
PSCU has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: PSCU -30.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both PSCU and SPY?
PSCU and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PSCU and SPY?
PSCU and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 537 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PSCU or SPY?
PSCU yields 0.96% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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