PSMO vs SPY
Pacer Swan SOS Moderate 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 | PSMO | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $99M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +7.61% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.82% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.17% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 30, 2021 | Jan 22, 1993 |
PSMO vs SPY Performance
Pacer Swan SOS Moderate October ETF (PSMO) 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 PSMO returned +12.82% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, PSMO is up 7.61% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, PSMO compounded at +12.17% per year against +21.40% for SPY. Across the full 5-year window we track, PSMO has the edge at +10.27% 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 PSMO. 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 -9.8% for PSMO 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PSMO 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, PSMO currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
PSMO 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, PSMO or SPY?
PSMO 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, PSMO or SPY?
Over the past year PSMO returned +12.82% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), PSMO annualized +10.27% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PSMO or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.8% for PSMO. Worst drawdown: PSMO -9.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both PSMO and SPY?
PSMO and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, 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 PSMO and SPY?
PSMO and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PSMO or SPY?
PSMO yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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