PTLC vs SPY
Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. PTLC offers more diversification with 506 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PTLC | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $3.4B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 506 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +7.11% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.42% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.19% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.59% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 65348.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 11, 2015 | Jan 22, 1993 |
PTLC vs SPY Performance
Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF (PTLC) 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 PTLC returned +14.42% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, PTLC is up 7.11% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, PTLC compounded at +14.19% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +9.59% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 21-year window we track, PTLC has the edge at +36.87% annualized vs +8.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PTLC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 65348.8% 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 -100.0% for PTLC 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 -0.06. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PTLC charges 0.60% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $9 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PTLC currently yields 1.01% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
PTLC and SPY share 483 holdings out of 514 unique holdings combined, representing a 95.0% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PTLC or SPY?
PTLC has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PTLC or SPY?
Over the past year PTLC returned +14.42% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (21 years), PTLC annualized +36.87% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PTLC or SPY?
PTLC has been the more volatile fund at 65348.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: PTLC -100.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both PTLC and SPY?
PTLC and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of -0.06, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PTLC and SPY?
PTLC and SPY share 483 common holdings with a 95.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 514 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PTLC or SPY?
PTLC yields 1.01% while SPY yields 1.01%, so PTLC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.