PSMR vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPSMRSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.49%0.09%
AUM$90M$789.1B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.01%
Holdings6505
YTD Return+9.54%+13.68%
1Y Return+13.13%+21.53%
3Y Return (annualized)+11.41%+21.44%
5Y Return (annualized)+8.49%+13.18%
Volatility (annualized)7.4%15.3%
Max Drawdown-11.8%-56.5%
Fund FamilyPacer ETFsState Street Investment Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionMar 31, 2021Jan 22, 1993

PSMR vs SPY Performance

Pacer Swan SOS Moderate (April) ETF (PSMR) 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 PSMR returned +13.13% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, PSMR is up 9.54% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.

Over three years, PSMR compounded at +11.41% per year against +21.44% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.49% and +13.18% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, PSMR has the edge at +8.85% 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 7.4% for PSMR. 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 -11.8% for PSMR 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

PSMR 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, PSMR currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

PSMR 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, PSMR or SPY?

PSMR 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, PSMR or SPY?

Over the past year PSMR returned +13.13% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), PSMR annualized +8.85% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PSMR or SPY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 7.4% for PSMR. Worst drawdown: PSMR -11.8% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both PSMR and SPY?

PSMR 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 PSMR and SPY?

PSMR and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, PSMR or SPY?

PSMR yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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