DDX vs. PWS

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DDX (Defined Duration 10 ETF) and PWS (Pacer WealthShield ETF) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. DDX is actively managed, while PWS is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, DDX returned 8.43%/yr vs 7.64%/yr for PWS. At a 0.50 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. DDX charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for PWS.

Performance

DDX vs. PWS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Defined Duration 10 ETF (DDX) and Pacer WealthShield ETF (PWS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DDX achieves a 5.64% return, which is significantly higher than PWS's -0.63% return.

DDX

• 1D: 0.26%
• 1M: 1.65%
• YTD: 5.64%
• 6M: 5.82%
• 1Y: 13.11%
• 3Y*: 8.43%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PWS

• 1D: 1.22%
• 1M: 0.46%
• YTD: -0.63%
• 6M: -0.98%
• 1Y: 10.24%
• 3Y*: 7.64%
• 5Y*: 1.34%
• 10Y*: —

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

DDX vs. PWS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DDX Defined Duration 10 ETF	5.64%	12.02%	2.93%	10.48%	-16.19%	1.34%
PWS Pacer WealthShield ETF	-0.63%	8.05%	14.01%	-3.58%	-12.10%	3.06%

Correlation

The correlation between DDX and PWS is 0.52, 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	0.52
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 20, 2021	0.50

The correlation between DDX and PWS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.50 to 0.53 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DDX vs. PWS — Risk / Return Rank

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

DDX

DDX Risk / Return Rank: 73
DDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
DDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
DDX Omega Ratio Rank: 79
DDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
DDX Martin Ratio Rank: 67

PWS

PWS Risk / Return Rank: 26
PWS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
PWS Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
PWS Omega Ratio Rank: 24
PWS Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
PWS Martin Ratio Rank: 26

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.

DDX vs. PWS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defined Duration 10 ETF (DDX) and Pacer WealthShield ETF (PWS). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	DDX	PWS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.34	0.89	+1.45
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.46	1.31	+2.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.17	+0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.99	1.49	+1.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.92	3.46	+8.47

DDX vs. PWS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DDX Sharpe Ratio is 2.34, which is higher than the PWS Sharpe Ratio of 0.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DDX and PWS, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

DDX vs. PWS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DDX drawdown since its inception was -21.27%, smaller than the maximum PWS drawdown of -24.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DDX and PWS.

Drawdown Indicators

	DDX	PWS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.27%	-24.93%	+3.66%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.41%	-6.88%	+2.47%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.17%	-10.47%	+4.30%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-24.93%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-4.43%	+4.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.05%	-9.09%	+2.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.10%	2.97%	-1.87%

Volatility

DDX vs. PWS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Defined Duration 10 ETF (DDX) is 1.76%, while Pacer WealthShield ETF (PWS) has a volatility of 3.08%. This indicates that DDX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PWS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DDX	PWS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.76%	3.08%	-1.32%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.66%	7.49%	-2.83%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.62%	11.57%	-5.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.47%	11.87%	-4.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.47%	14.37%	-6.90%

DDX vs. PWS - Expense Ratio Comparison

DDX has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than PWS's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

DDX vs. PWS - Dividend Comparison

DDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.37%, more than PWS's 1.32% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
DDX Defined Duration 10 ETF	3.37%	3.17%	3.11%	2.41%	1.38%	1.14%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
PWS Pacer WealthShield ETF	1.32%	1.59%	1.33%	2.21%	1.45%	0.94%	0.53%	1.77%	1.16%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DDX and PWS in my portfolio?

DDX and PWS have a correlation of 0.52, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DDX or PWS?

PWS has higher volatility (3.08%) compared to DDX (1.76%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DDX dropped -21.27% vs PWS's -24.93%.

Which ETF is better, DDX or PWS?

On 3-year performance, DDX leads with 8.43% vs 7.64% for PWS. On fees, DDX is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, DDX has been the lower-risk option at 1.76%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DDX or PWS?

Over the 3-year period, DDX has performed better with a 8.43% return vs 7.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DDX or PWS?

DDX is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for PWS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DDX or PWS?

DDX has the higher dividend yield at 3.37%, compared with 1.32% for PWS.

What is the main difference between DDX and PWS?

They also come from different issuers: Discipline Funds and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for DDX and 0.60% for PWS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DDX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.34 vs 0.89), 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.