PTMC vs SPY
Pacer Trendpilot US Mid Cap ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. PTMC delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PTMC | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $395M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.57% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 401 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +16.29% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.71% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.01% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.04% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 11, 2015 | Jan 22, 1993 |
PTMC vs SPY Performance
Pacer Trendpilot US Mid Cap ETF (PTMC) 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 PTMC returned +23.71% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, PTMC is up 16.29% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, PTMC compounded at +9.01% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +4.04% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +5.56%. 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 12.2% for PTMC. 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 -20.5% for PTMC 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PTMC 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, PTMC currently yields 1.57% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
PTMC and SPY share 0 holdings out of 534 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, PTMC or SPY?
PTMC 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, PTMC or SPY?
Over the past year PTMC returned +23.71% vs +22.52% for SPY, so PTMC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), PTMC annualized +5.56% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PTMC or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.2% for PTMC. Worst drawdown: PTMC -20.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both PTMC and SPY?
PTMC and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PTMC and SPY?
PTMC and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 534 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PTMC or SPY?
PTMC yields 1.57% while SPY yields 1.01%, so PTMC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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