What Is the PTL ETF? A Complete Guide to Returns, Expense Ratio, Holdings, and Alternative ETFs
A flagship faith-based ETF that selects 500 large-cap US companies adhering to biblical values and lets investors access them at a very low cost.
SubscribeWhat Is This ETF?
The fund tracks the Inspire 500 Index, building its portfolio from the stocks among the 500 largest US companies by market capitalization that pass a Christian values screen. Going beyond simple socially responsible investing (ESG), it places primary emphasis on faith-based principles.
It suits investors who want to capture the performance of the US large-cap market while investing in companies that do not conflict with their faith and convictions.
Launched in 2024 by Inspire Investing, it is a passively managed (index-tracking) ETF.
How Does It Invest?
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Tracking Index | Inspire 500 Index |
| Management Style | Passive (biblically responsible investing) |
| Rebalancing Frequency | Semiannual |
| Dividend Frequency | Quarterly |
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% |
Using a proprietary impact assessment model, the fund analyzes corporate activities and excludes companies with inappropriate business segments. In particular, some large technology stocks may be removed during the screening process, giving the fund weightings that differ from the standard S&P 500 index.
- Rigorous screening based on biblical values
- A very low expense ratio despite being a specialized thematic product
Size and Costs
Assets under management (AUM) stand at $888.2M, and the expense ratio is 0.09% per year.
FNDX and PRF, shown in the table, are fundamentals-based smart beta alternatives, and while FNDA specializes in small and mid-cap stocks, PTL concentrates on large-cap value. Compared with RECS, it is also distinguished by a clear screening criterion rooted in faith-based principles.
Performance and Trends
1-Year Price Performance
Dividend & Yield
52-Week Price RangeIn a market environment dominated by top technology stocks, return gaps are emerging depending on whether specific large caps are excluded. Value-based filtering leaves many companies with sound financial structures and strong ethical standing, so investors expect a stable long-term trajectory.
Interest in conviction-based investing is rising, particularly within the US Christian investor community, and money is flowing in. Inflows from younger investors who prioritize their values are also being observed.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The fund stands out for allowing investment in the US market at low cost while upholding faith-based values, but investors should be aware of the divergence from the index caused by the absence of certain large caps.
💪 Key Strengths
⚠️ Points to Watch
Alternative ETFs and Related Products
Beyond the funds mentioned in the table, if you simply want to track the entire S&P 500 index, VOO or IVV are the standard choices, and if you are looking for another Christian values-based ETF, BIBL is also worth comparing. PTL is designed for investors who want to balance conviction and returns at a low cost.
Peer Comparison ETFs| Ticker | Name | Price | Change | AUM | Total Expense Ratio | Dividend Yield | 1Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 FNDX | Schwab Fundamental U.S. Large Company ETF | $32.71 | -0.6% | $28.6B | 0.25% | 1.44% | +23.3% |
 PRF | Invesco RAFI US 1000 ETF | $56.13 | -0.8% | $10.2B | 0.34% | 1.32% | +23.1% |
 FNDA | Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company ETF | $35.98 | -1.3% | $9.0B | 0.25% | 1.23% | +17.6% |
 RECS | Columbia Research Enhanced Core ETF | $44.93 | -1.5% | $6.2B | 0.15% | 0.72% | +10.0% |
 JHMM | John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF | $73.57 | -1.3% | $6.1B | 0.41% | 0.89% | +14.8% |
Top Holdings| Ticker | Name | Weight | Price | Change | Market Cap | P/E | Dividend Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AVGO | Broadcom Inc | 0.23% | $326.08 | -5.5% | $1.56T | 41.6 | 0.8% |
| XOM | ExxonMobil Holdings Corp | 0.08% | $187.25 | +2.2% | $770.0B | 24.1 | 2.22% |
| HD | Home Depot Inc | 0.04% | $329.20 | +0.1% | $328.4B | 23.0 | 2.82% |
| CAT | Caterpillar Inc | 0.04% | $622.75 | -3.8% | $286.3B | 24.4 | 1% |
| PLTR | Palantir Technologies Inc | 0.04% | $184.11 | -6.3% | $442.4B | 156.9 | - |
Investor Checkpoints
For investors who want to reflect their faith-based values directly in their portfolios, it is wise to review the following key points about PTL before making a decision.
| Checkpoint | What to Check | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| 📖 Value Fit | Confirm that the manager's screening criteria match your own convictions | Check continually |
| 📊 Index Composition Differences | Review differences in stock weightings versus traditional large-cap indexes | Check regularly |
| 💵 Fee Adequacy | Judge whether it can serve as a low-cost core holding | Top tier |
| 📈 Performance Gap | Understand why performance differs from benchmark market indexes | Monitor continually |
Because certain large companies are excluded under biblical value standards, investors should keep in mind that returns may lag the index during periods when those companies lead the market.
It is a highly efficient investment tool for Christian investors who want to pursue both conviction and returns. It is a fitting choice for staying true to your principles while investing in the core of the US large-cap market at a low cost.
SubscribeDisclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. All investment responsibility lies with the investor.
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