CPAI vs. PEXL

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

CPAI (Counterpoint Quantitative Equity ETF) and PEXL (Pacer US Export Leaders ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. CPAI is actively managed, while PEXL is passively managed. Over the past year, CPAI returned 49.88% vs 55.27% for PEXL. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CPAI charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for PEXL.

Performance

CPAI vs. PEXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Counterpoint Quantitative Equity ETF (CPAI) and Pacer US Export Leaders ETF (PEXL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CPAI achieves a 29.80% return, which is significantly higher than PEXL's 22.42% return.

CPAI

• 1D: 0.66%
• 1M: 9.81%
• YTD: 29.80%
• 6M: 31.62%
• 1Y: 49.88%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PEXL

• 1D: 1.15%
• 1M: 10.56%
• YTD: 22.42%
• 6M: 25.49%
• 1Y: 55.27%
• 3Y*: 22.28%
• 5Y*: 13.39%
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

CPAI vs. PEXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
CPAI Counterpoint Quantitative Equity ETF	29.80%	17.79%	28.37%	6.69%
PEXL Pacer US Export Leaders ETF	22.42%	27.33%	5.79%	7.51%

Correlation

The correlation between CPAI and PEXL is 0.70, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 30, 2023	0.76

The correlation between CPAI and PEXL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.70 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

CPAI vs. PEXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CPAI	PEXL
Technology	45.4%	55.1%
Healthcare	16.0%	7.5%
Consumer Defensive	9.5%	6.3%
Communication Services	7.9%	15.1%
Industrials	5.7%	6.4%
Financial Services	4.3%	-
Consumer Cyclical	4.2%	4.3%
Energy	3.7%	1.1%
Basic Materials	3.3%	4.2%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

CPAI vs. PEXL — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

CPAI

CPAI Risk / Return Rank: 82
CPAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
CPAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
CPAI Omega Ratio Rank: 77
CPAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
CPAI Martin Ratio Rank: 84

PEXL

PEXL Risk / Return Rank: 88
PEXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
PEXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
PEXL Omega Ratio Rank: 84
PEXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
PEXL Martin Ratio Rank: 90

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

CPAI vs. PEXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Counterpoint Quantitative Equity ETF (CPAI) and Pacer US Export Leaders ETF (PEXL). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	CPAI	PEXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.78	3.12	-0.34
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.62	4.07	-0.45
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.52	-0.05
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.83	4.85	-0.02
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	17.69	20.93	-3.24
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

CPAI vs. PEXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CPAI Sharpe Ratio is 2.78, which is comparable to the PEXL Sharpe Ratio of 3.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CPAI and PEXL, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	CPAI	PEXL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.78	3.12	-0.34
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.62	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.84	0.65	+1.19

Drawdowns

CPAI vs. PEXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CPAI drawdown since its inception was -21.46%, smaller than the maximum PEXL drawdown of -36.76%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CPAI and PEXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	CPAI	PEXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.46%	-36.76%	+15.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.48%	-11.43%	+0.95%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-24.72%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-30.44%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.98%	-6.72%	+3.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.87%	2.65%	+0.22%

Volatility

CPAI vs. PEXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Counterpoint Quantitative Equity ETF (CPAI) is 4.89%, while Pacer US Export Leaders ETF (PEXL) has a volatility of 5.44%. This indicates that CPAI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PEXL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CPAI	PEXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.89%	5.44%	-0.55%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.37%	13.10%	+1.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.03%	17.80%	+0.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.16%	21.86%	-2.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.16%	24.05%	-4.89%

CPAI vs. PEXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

CPAI has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than PEXL's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

CPAI vs. PEXL - Dividend Comparison

CPAI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.69%, more than PEXL's 0.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
CPAI Counterpoint Quantitative Equity ETF	0.69%	0.89%	0.41%	0.06%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
PEXL Pacer US Export Leaders ETF	0.34%	0.44%	0.48%	0.48%	0.60%	0.22%	0.48%	0.49%	0.29%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CPAI and PEXL in my portfolio?

CPAI and PEXL have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CPAI or PEXL?

PEXL has higher volatility (5.44%) compared to CPAI (4.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CPAI dropped -21.46% vs PEXL's -36.76%.

Which ETF is better, CPAI or PEXL?

On 1-year performance, PEXL leads with 55.27% vs 49.88% for CPAI. On fees, PEXL is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, CPAI has been the lower-risk option at 4.89%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CPAI or PEXL?

Over the 1-year period, PEXL has performed better with a 55.27% return vs 49.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CPAI or PEXL?

PEXL is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for CPAI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CPAI or PEXL?

CPAI has the higher dividend yield at 0.69%, compared with 0.34% for PEXL.

What is the main difference between CPAI and PEXL?

They also come from different issuers: Counterpoint Funds and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for CPAI and 0.60% for PEXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PEXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.12 vs 2.78), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.