DVSP vs. PSMD

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DVSP (WEBs SPY Defined Volatility ETF) and PSMD (Pacer Swan SOS Moderate (December) ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. DVSP is passively managed, while PSMD is actively managed. Over the past year, DVSP returned 27.52% vs 13.69% for PSMD. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DVSP charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for PSMD.

Performance

DVSP vs. PSMD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WEBs SPY Defined Volatility ETF (DVSP) and Pacer Swan SOS Moderate (December) ETF (PSMD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DVSP achieves a 4.43% return, which is significantly lower than PSMD's 4.91% return.

DVSP

• 1D: -1.57%
• 1M: -3.09%
• YTD: 4.43%
• 6M: 2.58%
• 1Y: 27.52%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PSMD

• 1D: -0.51%
• 1M: -0.09%
• YTD: 4.91%
• 6M: 5.01%
• 1Y: 13.69%
• 3Y*: 12.16%
• 5Y*: 8.98%
• 10Y*: —

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

DVSP vs. PSMD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
DVSP WEBs SPY Defined Volatility ETF	4.43%	15.57%	-5.64%
PSMD Pacer Swan SOS Moderate (December) ETF	4.91%	11.45%	-0.05%

Correlation

The correlation between DVSP and PSMD is 0.89, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 17, 2024	0.86

The correlation between DVSP and PSMD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DVSP vs. PSMD — Risk / Return Rank

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

DVSP

DVSP Risk / Return Rank: 40
DVSP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
DVSP Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
DVSP Omega Ratio Rank: 38
DVSP Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
DVSP Martin Ratio Rank: 44

PSMD

PSMD Risk / Return Rank: 81
PSMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
PSMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
PSMD Omega Ratio Rank: 87
PSMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
PSMD Martin Ratio Rank: 84

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.

DVSP vs. PSMD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WEBs SPY Defined Volatility ETF (DVSP) and Pacer Swan SOS Moderate (December) ETF (PSMD). 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.

	DVSP	PSMD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.33	2.40	-1.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.79	3.55	-1.75
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.49	-0.26
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.78	3.11	-1.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.68	16.22	-9.54

DVSP vs. PSMD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DVSP Sharpe Ratio is 1.33, which is lower than the PSMD Sharpe Ratio of 2.40. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DVSP and PSMD, 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

DVSP vs. PSMD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DVSP drawdown since its inception was -22.71%, which is greater than PSMD's maximum drawdown of -11.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DVSP and PSMD.

Drawdown Indicators

	DVSP	PSMD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.71%	-11.96%	-10.75%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.56%	-4.42%	-11.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-10.70%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-11.96%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.24%	-0.73%	-5.51%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.53%	-1.65%	-3.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.13%	0.85%	+3.28%

Volatility

DVSP vs. PSMD - Volatility Comparison

WEBs SPY Defined Volatility ETF (DVSP) has a higher volatility of 7.77% compared to Pacer Swan SOS Moderate (December) ETF (PSMD) at 1.93%. This indicates that DVSP's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PSMD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DVSP	PSMD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.77%	1.93%	+5.84%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.89%	4.78%	+11.11%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.91%	5.75%	+15.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.24%	8.63%	+13.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.24%	8.47%	+13.77%

DVSP vs. PSMD - Expense Ratio Comparison

DVSP has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than PSMD's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

DVSP vs. PSMD - Dividend Comparison

DVSP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.27%, while PSMD has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DVSP WEBs SPY Defined Volatility ETF	0.27%	0.28%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
PSMD Pacer Swan SOS Moderate (December) ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.47%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DVSP and PSMD in my portfolio?

DVSP and PSMD have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DVSP or PSMD?

DVSP has higher volatility (7.77%) compared to PSMD (1.93%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DVSP dropped -22.71% vs PSMD's -11.96%.

Which ETF is better, DVSP or PSMD?

On 1-year performance, DVSP leads with 27.52% vs 13.69% for PSMD. On fees, PSMD is cheaper at 0.75% per year. On volatility, PSMD has been the lower-risk option at 1.93%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DVSP or PSMD?

Over the 1-year period, DVSP has performed better with a 27.52% return vs 13.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DVSP or PSMD?

PSMD is cheaper with a 0.75% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for DVSP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DVSP or PSMD?

DVSP has the higher dividend yield at 0.27%, compared with 0.00% for PSMD.

What is the main difference between DVSP and PSMD?

They also come from different issuers: WEBs and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.89% for DVSP and 0.75% for PSMD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PSMD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.40 vs 1.33), 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.