MCDS vs. PEXL

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

MCDS (JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Mid Core ETF) and PEXL (Pacer US Export Leaders ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. MCDS is actively managed, while PEXL is passively managed. Over the past year, MCDS returned 19.72% vs 35.62% for PEXL. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MCDS charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for PEXL.

Performance

MCDS vs. PEXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Mid Core ETF (MCDS) 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, MCDS achieves a 15.40% return, which is significantly lower than PEXL's 19.24% return.

MCDS

• 1D: -0.32%
• 1M: 1.50%
• 6M: 11.46%
• YTD: 15.40%
• 1Y: 19.72%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PEXL

• 1D: -2.26%
• 1M: -0.72%
• 6M: 15.44%
• YTD: 19.24%
• 1Y: 35.62%
• 3Y*: 18.32%
• 5Y*: 12.29%
• 10Y*: —

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

MCDS vs. PEXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MCDS JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Mid Core ETF	15.40%	6.51%	9.83%
PEXL Pacer US Export Leaders ETF	19.24%	27.33%	4.92%

Correlation

The correlation between MCDS and PEXL is 0.79, 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	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 8, 2024	0.83

The correlation between MCDS and PEXL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.

MCDS vs. PEXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MCDS	PEXL
Technology	19.5%	58.8%
Industrials	18.3%	6.1%
Financial Services	13.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	10.7%	3.8%
Healthcare	9.1%	6.8%
Real Estate	6.9%	-
Energy	6.5%	0.9%
Utilities	6.1%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.0%	5.9%
Basic Materials	3.9%	3.8%
Communication Services	2.0%	13.9%

Return for Risk

MCDS vs. PEXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

MCDS

MCDS Risk / Return Rank: 60
MCDS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
MCDS Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
MCDS Omega Ratio Rank: 51
MCDS Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
MCDS Martin Ratio Rank: 68

PEXL

PEXL Risk / Return Rank: 72
PEXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
PEXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
PEXL Omega Ratio Rank: 64
PEXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
PEXL Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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.

MCDS vs. PEXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Mid Core ETF (MCDS) 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.

	MCDS	PEXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.47	1.80	-0.33
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.18	2.46	-0.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.31	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.65	3.13	-0.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.80	12.61	-2.81

MCDS vs. PEXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MCDS Sharpe Ratio is 1.47, which is comparable to the PEXL Sharpe Ratio of 1.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MCDS 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

MCDS vs. PEXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MCDS drawdown since its inception was -22.50%, smaller than the maximum PEXL drawdown of -36.76%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MCDS and PEXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	MCDS	PEXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.50%	-36.76%	+14.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.47%	-11.43%	+3.96%
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	-0.91%	-4.15%	+3.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.80%	-6.66%	+2.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.02%	2.83%	-0.81%

Volatility

MCDS vs. PEXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Mid Core ETF (MCDS) is 3.57%, while Pacer US Export Leaders ETF (PEXL) has a volatility of 8.72%. This indicates that MCDS 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

	MCDS	PEXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.57%	8.72%	-5.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.15%	15.93%	-5.78%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.50%	19.95%	-6.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.77%	22.25%	-5.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.77%	24.14%	-7.37%

MCDS vs. PEXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

MCDS has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than PEXL's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

MCDS vs. PEXL - Dividend Comparison

MCDS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.04%, more than PEXL's 0.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
MCDS JPMorgan Fundamental Data Science Mid Core ETF	1.04%	1.23%	0.64%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
PEXL Pacer US Export Leaders ETF	0.30%	0.44%	0.48%	0.48%	0.60%	0.22%	0.48%	0.49%	0.29%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MCDS and PEXL in my portfolio?

MCDS and PEXL have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MCDS or PEXL?

PEXL has higher volatility (8.72%) compared to MCDS (3.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MCDS dropped -22.50% vs PEXL's -36.76%.

Which ETF is better, MCDS or PEXL?

On 1-year performance, PEXL leads with 35.62% vs 19.72% for MCDS. On fees, MCDS is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, MCDS has been the lower-risk option at 3.57%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MCDS or PEXL?

Over the 1-year period, PEXL has performed better with a 35.62% return vs 19.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MCDS or PEXL?

MCDS is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for PEXL.

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

MCDS has the higher dividend yield at 1.04%, compared with 0.30% for PEXL.

What is the main difference between MCDS and PEXL?

They also come from different issuers: JPMorgan and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for MCDS and 0.60% for PEXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PEXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.80 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.