PTEU vs SPY
Pacer Trendpilot European Index 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PTEU | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $38M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.74% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 290 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +10.24% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.22% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.81% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.19% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 14, 2015 | Jan 22, 1993 |
PTEU vs SPY Performance
Pacer Trendpilot European Index ETF (PTEU) 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 PTEU returned +16.22% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, PTEU is up 10.24% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, PTEU compounded at +11.81% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.19% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs +4.38%. 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 13.2% for PTEU. 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 -35.5% for PTEU 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PTEU charges 0.65% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $9 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PTEU currently yields 1.74% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
PTEU and SPY share 1 holdings out of 783 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PTEU | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| DG | 0.88% | 0.04% | 0.84% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PTEU or SPY?
PTEU has an expense ratio of 0.65% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PTEU or SPY?
Over the past year PTEU returned +16.22% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), PTEU annualized +4.38% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PTEU or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.2% for PTEU. Worst drawdown: PTEU -35.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both PTEU and SPY?
PTEU and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PTEU and SPY?
PTEU and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 783 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PTEU or SPY?
PTEU yields 1.74% while SPY yields 1.01%, so PTEU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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