PALC vs. ILCG

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

PALC (Pacer Lunt Large Cap Multi-Factor Alternator ETF) and ILCG (iShares Morningstar Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds - PALC tracks the Lunt Capital U.S. Large Cap Multi-Factor Rotation Index while ILCG tracks the Morningstar US Large-Mid Cap Broad Growth Index Gross. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, PALC returned 8.89%/yr vs 12.23%/yr for ILCG. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PALC charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for ILCG.

Performance

PALC vs. ILCG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer Lunt Large Cap Multi-Factor Alternator ETF (PALC) and iShares Morningstar Growth ETF (ILCG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with PALC having a 9.84% return and ILCG slightly higher at 10.18%.

PALC

• 1D: -1.64%
• 1M: -0.69%
• 6M: 5.44%
• YTD: 9.84%
• 1Y: 17.30%
• 3Y*: 14.46%
• 5Y*: 8.89%
• 10Y*: —

ILCG

• 1D: -1.79%
• 1M: 0.20%
• 6M: 8.25%
• YTD: 10.18%
• 1Y: 18.17%
• 3Y*: 22.41%
• 5Y*: 12.23%
• 10Y*: 17.52%

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

PALC vs. ILCG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
PALC Pacer Lunt Large Cap Multi-Factor Alternator ETF	9.84%	7.28%	21.24%	17.52%	-14.74%	41.03%	23.19%
ILCG iShares Morningstar Growth ETF	10.18%	16.71%	32.82%	40.41%	-31.75%	24.33%	25.93%

Correlation

The correlation between PALC and ILCG is 0.66, 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	0.66
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.77
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 25, 2020	0.79

The correlation between PALC and ILCG shifts across timeframes, from 0.66 (1 year) to 0.81 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

PALC vs. ILCG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PALC	ILCG
Technology	42.1%	53.1%
Industrials	11.9%	7.7%
Healthcare	9.4%	5.2%
Financial Services	8.8%	5.5%
Consumer Cyclical	7.2%	10.1%
Communication Services	4.8%	13.5%
Basic Materials	4.7%	1.0%
Utilities	4.3%	0.7%
Consumer Defensive	4.3%	1.4%
Energy	1.9%	0.4%
Real Estate	0.5%	1.3%

Return for Risk

PALC vs. ILCG — Risk / Return Rank

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

PALC

PALC Risk / Return Rank: 46
PALC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
PALC Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
PALC Omega Ratio Rank: 43
PALC Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
PALC Martin Ratio Rank: 51

ILCG

ILCG Risk / Return Rank: 33
ILCG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
ILCG Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
ILCG Omega Ratio Rank: 33
ILCG Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
ILCG Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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.

PALC vs. ILCG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Lunt Large Cap Multi-Factor Alternator ETF (PALC) and iShares Morningstar Growth ETF (ILCG). 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.

	PALC	ILCG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.24	1.01	+0.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.75	1.44	+0.31
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.19	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.94	1.17	+0.78
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.85	3.91	+2.94

PALC vs. ILCG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PALC Sharpe Ratio is 1.24, which is comparable to the ILCG Sharpe Ratio of 1.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PALC and ILCG, 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

PALC vs. ILCG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PALC drawdown since its inception was -24.45%, smaller than the maximum ILCG drawdown of -52.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PALC and ILCG.

Drawdown Indicators

	PALC	ILCG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.45%	-52.98%	+28.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.94%	-15.65%	+6.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.39%	-23.10%	+5.71%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.45%	-35.38%	+10.93%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.38%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.28%	-4.74%	+0.46%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.26%	-8.20%	+1.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.53%	4.66%	-2.13%

Volatility

PALC vs. ILCG - Volatility Comparison

Pacer Lunt Large Cap Multi-Factor Alternator ETF (PALC) and iShares Morningstar Growth ETF (ILCG) have volatilities of 7.42% and 7.23%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PALC	ILCG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.42%	7.23%	+0.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.65%	15.08%	-3.43%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.04%	18.10%	-4.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.59%	22.30%	-5.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.27%	21.65%	-4.38%

PALC vs. ILCG - Expense Ratio Comparison

PALC has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than ILCG's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

PALC vs. ILCG - Dividend Comparison

PALC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.07%, more than ILCG's 0.42% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ILCG iShares Morningstar Growth ETF	0.42%	0.47%	0.50%	0.69%	0.75%	0.34%	0.28%	0.54%	0.81%	0.89%	0.95%	0.99%
PALC Pacer Lunt Large Cap Multi-Factor Alternator ETF	1.07%	1.08%	0.93%	0.74%	1.69%	0.64%	0.72%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PALC and ILCG in my portfolio?

PALC and ILCG have a correlation of 0.66, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PALC or ILCG?

PALC has higher volatility (7.42%) compared to ILCG (7.23%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PALC dropped -24.45% vs ILCG's -52.98%.

Which ETF is better, PALC or ILCG?

On 5-year performance, ILCG leads with 12.23% vs 8.89% for PALC. On fees, ILCG is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, ILCG has been the lower-risk option at 7.23%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PALC or ILCG?

Over the 5-year period, ILCG has performed better with a 12.23% return vs 8.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PALC or ILCG?

ILCG is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for PALC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PALC or ILCG?

PALC has the higher dividend yield at 1.07%, compared with 0.42% for ILCG.

What is the main difference between PALC and ILCG?

PALC tracks Lunt Capital U.S. Large Cap Multi-Factor Rotation Index, while ILCG tracks Morningstar US Large-Mid Cap Broad Growth Index Gross. They also come from different issuers: Pacer and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for PALC and 0.04% for ILCG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PALC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.24 vs 1.01), 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.