PTNQ vs SPY
Pacer Trendpilot 100 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 | PTNQ | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.84% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +9.55% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.34% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.27% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.64% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 11, 2015 | Jan 22, 1993 |
PTNQ vs SPY Performance
Pacer Trendpilot 100 ETF (PTNQ) 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 PTNQ returned +19.34% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, PTNQ is up 9.55% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, PTNQ compounded at +13.27% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +9.64% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, PTNQ has the edge at +12.43% annualized vs +8.81%. 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 14.4% for PTNQ. 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 -28.1% for PTNQ 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PTNQ 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, PTNQ currently yields 0.84% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
PTNQ and SPY share 87 holdings out of 519 unique holdings combined, representing a 54.4% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PTNQ or SPY?
PTNQ 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, PTNQ or SPY?
Over the past year PTNQ returned +19.34% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), PTNQ annualized +12.43% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PTNQ or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.4% for PTNQ. Worst drawdown: PTNQ -28.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both PTNQ and SPY?
PTNQ and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PTNQ and SPY?
PTNQ and SPY share 87 common holdings with a 54.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 519 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PTNQ or SPY?
PTNQ yields 0.84% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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