SPY vs TRFK
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. TRFK delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | TRFK | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.49% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $948M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.01% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 85 | |
| YTD Return | +13.39% | +46.37% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.52% | +53.70% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.36% | +45.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.19% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 30.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -29.1% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Pacer ETFs | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jun 8, 2022 |
SPY vs TRFK Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF (TRFK) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs. Over the past year SPY returned +22.52% while TRFK returned +53.70%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.39% versus a gain of 46.37% for TRFK.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.36% per year against +45.86% for TRFK. Across the full 4-year window we track, TRFK has the edge at +38.26% annualized vs +8.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TRFK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.3% 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 -56.5% for SPY and -29.1% for TRFK. 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while TRFK charges 0.49%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $49 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.01% for TRFK.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and TRFK share 26 holdings out of 558 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or TRFK?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while TRFK charges 0.49%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or TRFK?
Over the past year SPY returned +22.52% vs +53.70% for TRFK, so TRFK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), SPY annualized +8.84% vs +38.26% for TRFK. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or TRFK?
TRFK has been the more volatile fund at 30.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs TRFK -29.1%.
Should I hold both SPY and TRFK?
SPY and TRFK have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and TRFK?
SPY and TRFK share 26 common holdings with a 16.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 558 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or TRFK?
SPY yields 1.01% while TRFK yields 0.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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