FDLS vs. BUL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FDLS (Inspire Fidelis Multi Factor ETF) and BUL (Pacer US Cash Cows Growth ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds - FDLS tracks the WI Fidelis Multi-Cap, Multi-Factor Index - Benchmark TR Gross while BUL tracks the Pacer US Cash Cows Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, FDLS returned 19.65%/yr vs 22.33%/yr for BUL. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FDLS charges 0.76%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for BUL.

Performance

FDLS vs. BUL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Inspire Fidelis Multi Factor ETF (FDLS) and Pacer US Cash Cows Growth ETF (BUL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FDLS achieves a 13.12% return, which is significantly higher than BUL's 9.02% return.

FDLS

• 1D: -1.15%
• 1M: -0.93%
• YTD: 13.12%
• 6M: 13.26%
• 1Y: 33.04%
• 3Y*: 19.65%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUL

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: 5.95%
• YTD: 9.02%
• 6M: 10.73%
• 1Y: 25.79%
• 3Y*: 22.33%
• 5Y*: 11.26%
• 10Y*: —

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

FDLS vs. BUL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
FDLS Inspire Fidelis Multi Factor ETF	13.12%	22.47%	7.41%	20.70%	-1.68%
BUL Pacer US Cash Cows Growth ETF	9.02%	19.18%	27.39%	3.68%	-0.71%

Correlation

The correlation between FDLS and BUL is 0.77, 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	0.77
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 25, 2022	0.81

The correlation between FDLS and BUL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.77 to 0.81 - a consistent structural relationship.

FDLS vs. BUL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FDLS	BUL
Technology	25.7%	28.3%
Industrials	18.8%	13.4%
Financial Services	14.3%	-
Healthcare	11.7%	21.4%
Energy	7.1%	5.1%
Basic Materials	5.0%	5.7%
Consumer Defensive	4.9%	2.3%
Consumer Cyclical	4.4%	22.3%
Communication Services	3.3%	1.6%
Real Estate	2.1%	-
Utilities	1.7%	-

Return for Risk

FDLS vs. BUL — Risk / Return Rank

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

FDLS

FDLS Risk / Return Rank: 64
FDLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
FDLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
FDLS Omega Ratio Rank: 57
FDLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
FDLS Martin Ratio Rank: 74

BUL

BUL Risk / Return Rank: 50
BUL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
BUL Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
BUL Omega Ratio Rank: 42
BUL Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
BUL Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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.

FDLS vs. BUL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Inspire Fidelis Multi Factor ETF (FDLS) and Pacer US Cash Cows Growth ETF (BUL). 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.

	FDLS	BUL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.99	1.55	+0.44
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.82	2.30	+0.52
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.27	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.48	2.90	+0.58
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.96	10.49	+3.47
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FDLS vs. BUL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FDLS Sharpe Ratio is 1.99, which is comparable to the BUL Sharpe Ratio of 1.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FDLS and BUL, 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

	FDLS	BUL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.99	1.55	+0.44
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.52	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.86	0.58	+0.28

Drawdowns

FDLS vs. BUL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FDLS drawdown since its inception was -23.32%, smaller than the maximum BUL drawdown of -37.08%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FDLS and BUL.

Drawdown Indicators

	FDLS	BUL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.32%	-37.08%	+13.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.55%	-8.93%	-0.62%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.32%	-23.55%	+0.23%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-27.85%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.66%	0.00%	-2.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.88%	-7.65%	+3.77%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.37%	2.46%	-0.09%

Volatility

FDLS vs. BUL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Inspire Fidelis Multi Factor ETF (FDLS) is 4.36%, while Pacer US Cash Cows Growth ETF (BUL) has a volatility of 5.32%. This indicates that FDLS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BUL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FDLS	BUL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.36%	5.32%	-0.96%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.45%	11.88%	+0.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.71%	16.78%	-0.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.07%	21.79%	-2.72%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.07%	24.25%	-5.18%

FDLS vs. BUL - Expense Ratio Comparison

FDLS has a 0.76% expense ratio, which is higher than BUL's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

FDLS vs. BUL - Dividend Comparison

FDLS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.87%, more than BUL's 0.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
BUL Pacer US Cash Cows Growth ETF	0.23%	0.28%	0.30%	2.11%	0.67%	0.08%	0.69%	0.81%
FDLS Inspire Fidelis Multi Factor ETF	0.87%	0.86%	7.26%	0.97%	0.31%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FDLS and BUL in my portfolio?

FDLS and BUL have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FDLS or BUL?

BUL has higher volatility (5.32%) compared to FDLS (4.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FDLS dropped -23.32% vs BUL's -37.08%.

Which ETF is better, FDLS or BUL?

On 3-year performance, BUL leads with 22.33% vs 19.65% for FDLS. On fees, BUL is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, FDLS has been the lower-risk option at 4.36%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FDLS or BUL?

Over the 3-year period, BUL has performed better with a 22.33% return vs 19.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FDLS or BUL?

BUL is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.76% for FDLS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FDLS or BUL?

FDLS has the higher dividend yield at 0.87%, compared with 0.23% for BUL.

What is the main difference between FDLS and BUL?

FDLS tracks WI Fidelis Multi-Cap, Multi-Factor Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while BUL tracks Pacer US Cash Cows Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: Inspire and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.76% for FDLS and 0.60% for BUL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDLS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.99 vs 1.55), 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.