JSMD vs. PEXL

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

JSMD (Janus Henderson Small/Mid Cap Growth Alpha ETF) and PEXL (Pacer US Export Leaders ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - JSMD is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Janus Small Mid Cap Growth Alpha Index, while PEXL is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Pacer US Export Leaders Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, JSMD returned 8.61%/yr vs 13.39%/yr for PEXL. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. JSMD charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for PEXL.

Performance

JSMD vs. PEXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Janus Henderson Small/Mid Cap Growth Alpha ETF (JSMD) 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, JSMD achieves a 21.03% return, which is significantly lower than PEXL's 23.27% return.

JSMD

• 1D: 0.59%
• 1M: 5.82%
• YTD: 21.03%
• 6M: 17.17%
• 1Y: 31.78%
• 3Y*: 19.09%
• 5Y*: 8.61%
• 10Y*: 14.05%

PEXL

• 1D: -0.43%
• 1M: 5.54%
• YTD: 23.27%
• 6M: 22.44%
• 1Y: 51.10%
• 3Y*: 21.89%
• 5Y*: 13.39%
• 10Y*: —

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

JSMD vs. PEXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
JSMD Janus Henderson Small/Mid Cap Growth Alpha ETF	21.03%	9.25%	15.08%	26.81%	-22.84%	8.40%	30.79%	31.05%	-16.46%
PEXL Pacer US Export Leaders ETF	23.27%	27.33%	5.79%	24.40%	-20.41%	30.12%	25.02%	39.86%	-17.19%

Correlation

The correlation between JSMD and PEXL is 0.85, 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	0.85
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 24, 2018	0.85

The correlation between JSMD and PEXL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

JSMD vs. PEXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	JSMD	PEXL
Technology	28.1%	58.8%
Industrials	23.3%	6.1%
Healthcare	18.7%	6.8%
Financial Services	8.9%	-
Consumer Cyclical	8.7%	3.8%
Basic Materials	3.0%	3.8%
Communication Services	2.9%	13.9%
Real Estate	2.8%	-
Consumer Defensive	2.5%	5.9%
Energy	1.1%	0.9%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

JSMD vs. PEXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

JSMD

JSMD Risk / Return Rank: 43
JSMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
JSMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
JSMD Omega Ratio Rank: 40
JSMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
JSMD Martin Ratio Rank: 45

PEXL

PEXL Risk / Return Rank: 85
PEXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
PEXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
PEXL Omega Ratio Rank: 80
PEXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
PEXL Martin Ratio Rank: 88

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.

JSMD vs. PEXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Janus Henderson Small/Mid Cap Growth Alpha ETF (JSMD) 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.

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.

	JSMD	PEXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.47	2.70	-1.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.07	3.53	-1.46
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.45	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.15	4.49	-2.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.27	18.64	-11.38

JSMD vs. PEXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current JSMD Sharpe Ratio is 1.47, which is lower than the PEXL Sharpe Ratio of 2.70. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of JSMD 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.

Drawdowns

JSMD vs. PEXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JSMD drawdown since its inception was -38.98%, which is greater than PEXL's maximum drawdown of -36.76%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JSMD and PEXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	JSMD	PEXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.98%	-36.76%	-2.22%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.86%	-11.43%	-3.43%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.01%	-24.72%	+0.71%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.18%	-30.44%	-1.74%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.98%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.43%	+0.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.45%	-6.69%	-0.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.38%	2.75%	+1.63%

Volatility

JSMD vs. PEXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Janus Henderson Small/Mid Cap Growth Alpha ETF (JSMD) is 7.24%, while Pacer US Export Leaders ETF (PEXL) has a volatility of 8.08%. This indicates that JSMD 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

	JSMD	PEXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.24%	8.08%	-0.84%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.99%	14.63%	+2.36%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.78%	19.03%	+2.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.00%	22.08%	+0.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.83%	24.11%	-1.28%

JSMD vs. PEXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

JSMD has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than PEXL's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

JSMD vs. PEXL - Dividend Comparison

JSMD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.46%, more than PEXL's 0.29% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
JSMD Janus Henderson Small/Mid Cap Growth Alpha ETF	0.46%	0.54%	0.76%	0.44%	0.40%	0.28%	0.24%	0.32%	0.53%	0.30%	0.36%
PEXL Pacer US Export Leaders ETF	0.29%	0.44%	0.48%	0.48%	0.60%	0.22%	0.48%	0.49%	0.29%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both JSMD and PEXL in my portfolio?

JSMD and PEXL have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, JSMD or PEXL?

PEXL has higher volatility (8.08%) compared to JSMD (7.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, JSMD dropped -38.98% vs PEXL's -36.76%.

Which ETF is better, JSMD or PEXL?

On 5-year performance, PEXL leads with 13.39% vs 8.61% for JSMD. On fees, JSMD is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, JSMD has been the lower-risk option at 7.24%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, JSMD or PEXL?

Over the 5-year period, PEXL has performed better with a 13.39% return vs 8.61%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, JSMD or PEXL?

JSMD is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for PEXL.

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

JSMD has the higher dividend yield at 0.46%, compared with 0.29% for PEXL.

What is the main difference between JSMD and PEXL?

JSMD is categorized as Mid Cap Growth Equities, while PEXL is Mid Cap Blend Equities. JSMD tracks Janus Small Mid Cap Growth Alpha Index, while PEXL tracks Pacer US Export Leaders Index. They also come from different issuers: Janus Henderson and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for JSMD and 0.60% for PEXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PEXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.70 vs 1.47), 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.