PSCX vs SPY
Pacer Swan SOS Conservative (January) 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 | PSCX | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $46M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +7.19% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.41% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.54% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.61% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 22, 2020 | Jan 22, 1993 |
PSCX vs SPY Performance
Pacer Swan SOS Conservative (January) ETF (PSCX) 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 PSCX returned +13.41% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, PSCX is up 7.19% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, PSCX compounded at +12.54% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.61% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, PSCX has the edge at +8.90% 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 6.4% for PSCX. 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 -10.2% for PSCX 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PSCX 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, PSCX currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
PSCX 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, PSCX or SPY?
PSCX 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, PSCX or SPY?
Over the past year PSCX returned +13.41% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), PSCX annualized +8.90% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PSCX or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.4% for PSCX. Worst drawdown: PSCX -10.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both PSCX and SPY?
PSCX and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, 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 PSCX and SPY?
PSCX and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PSCX or SPY?
PSCX yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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