PTA vs SPY
Cohen & Steers Tax-Advantaged Preferred Securities & Income Fund 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PTA | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.01% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | - | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.91% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 283 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +1.84% | +12.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.22% | +20.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.51% | +22.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.14% | +13.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Cohen & Steers Funds | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 28, 2020 | Jan 22, 1993 |
PTA vs SPY Performance
Cohen & Steers Tax-Advantaged Preferred Securities & Income Fund (PTA) is a ETF from Cohen & Steers Funds and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year PTA returned +1.22% while SPY returned +20.62%. Year to date, PTA is up 1.84% versus a gain of 12.93% for SPY.
Over three years, PTA compounded at +10.51% per year against +22.00% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +2.14% and +13.33% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.82% annualized vs +2.84%. 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 13.6% for PTA. 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 -28.7% for PTA 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PTA charges 2.01% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $201 vs $9 annually, a gap of $192 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PTA currently yields 7.91% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
PTA and SPY share 3 holdings out of 668 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PTA or SPY?
PTA has an expense ratio of 2.01% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $192 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PTA or SPY?
Over the past year PTA returned +1.22% vs +20.62% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), PTA annualized +2.84% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PTA or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.6% for PTA. Worst drawdown: PTA -28.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both PTA and SPY?
PTA and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PTA and SPY?
PTA and SPY share 3 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 668 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PTA or SPY?
PTA yields 7.91% while SPY yields 1.01%, so PTA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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