PSWD vs SPY
Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. PSWD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PSWD | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $5M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.63% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 53 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +47.15% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +41.30% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Xtrackers ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 13, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
PSWD vs SPY Performance
Xtrackers Cybersecurity Select Equity ETF (PSWD) is a ETF from Xtrackers ETFs and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year PSWD returned +41.30% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, PSWD is up 47.15% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PSWD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.6% 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 -23.7% for PSWD 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PSWD charges 0.20% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $9 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PSWD currently yields 0.63% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
PSWD and SPY share 6 holdings out of 549 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PSWD or SPY?
PSWD has an expense ratio of 0.20% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PSWD or SPY?
Over the past year PSWD returned +41.30% vs +21.71% for SPY, so PSWD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), PSWD annualized +19.26% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PSWD or SPY?
PSWD has been the more volatile fund at 22.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: PSWD -23.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both PSWD and SPY?
PSWD and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PSWD and SPY?
PSWD and SPY share 6 common holdings with a 1.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 549 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PSWD or SPY?
PSWD yields 0.63% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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