PAMC vs. IJK

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

PAMC (Pacer Lunt MidCap Multi-Factor Alternator ETF) and IJK (iShares S&P MidCap 400 Growth ETF) are both Mid Cap Growth Equities funds - PAMC tracks the Lunt Capital U.S. MidCap Multi-Factor Rotation Index while IJK tracks the S&P MidCap 400 Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, PAMC returned 10.69%/yr vs 8.49%/yr for IJK. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PAMC charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.17%/yr for IJK.

Performance

PAMC vs. IJK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer Lunt MidCap Multi-Factor Alternator ETF (PAMC) and iShares S&P MidCap 400 Growth ETF (IJK). 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 PAMC having a 16.35% return and IJK slightly higher at 17.02%.

PAMC

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: -1.87%
• 6M: 9.09%
• YTD: 16.35%
• 1Y: 25.00%
• 3Y*: 15.32%
• 5Y*: 10.69%
• 10Y*: —

IJK

• 1D: -0.32%
• 1M: -1.95%
• 6M: 9.42%
• YTD: 17.02%
• 1Y: 24.10%
• 3Y*: 14.55%
• 5Y*: 8.49%
• 10Y*: 11.02%

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

PAMC vs. IJK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
PAMC Pacer Lunt MidCap Multi-Factor Alternator ETF	16.35%	1.54%	26.20%	19.30%	-12.15%	13.15%	34.86%
IJK iShares S&P MidCap 400 Growth ETF	17.02%	7.28%	15.68%	17.41%	-19.03%	18.68%	33.01%

Correlation

The correlation between PAMC and IJK 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 (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 25, 2020	0.93

The correlation between PAMC and IJK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

PAMC vs. IJK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PAMC	IJK
Industrials	25.8%	30.2%
Technology	16.1%	24.8%
Financial Services	15.8%	6.7%
Consumer Cyclical	11.8%	7.5%
Energy	9.8%	3.2%
Basic Materials	5.6%	3.5%
Real Estate	4.0%	5.3%
Consumer Defensive	3.8%	1.8%
Healthcare	3.4%	13.7%
Utilities	3.1%	2.0%
Communication Services	0.7%	1.4%

Return for Risk

PAMC vs. IJK — Risk / Return Rank

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

PAMC

PAMC Risk / Return Rank: 53
PAMC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
PAMC Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
PAMC Omega Ratio Rank: 47
PAMC Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
PAMC Martin Ratio Rank: 64

IJK

IJK Risk / Return Rank: 54
IJK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
IJK Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
IJK Omega Ratio Rank: 45
IJK Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
IJK Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

PAMC vs. IJK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Lunt MidCap Multi-Factor Alternator ETF (PAMC) and iShares S&P MidCap 400 Growth ETF (IJK). 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.

	PAMC	IJK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.33	1.37	-0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.98	2.01	-0.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.24	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.45	2.44	+0.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.91	9.32	-0.40

PAMC vs. IJK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PAMC Sharpe Ratio is 1.33, which is comparable to the IJK Sharpe Ratio of 1.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PAMC and IJK, 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

PAMC vs. IJK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PAMC drawdown since its inception was -27.04%, smaller than the maximum IJK drawdown of -54.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PAMC and IJK.

Drawdown Indicators

	PAMC	IJK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.04%	-54.47%	+27.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.24%	-9.92%	-0.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.07%	-25.63%	-0.44%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.61%	-29.24%	+2.63%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-39.25%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.70%	-3.73%	+1.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.36%	-10.76%	+3.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.81%	2.59%	+0.22%

Volatility

PAMC vs. IJK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Pacer Lunt MidCap Multi-Factor Alternator ETF (PAMC) is 3.80%, while iShares S&P MidCap 400 Growth ETF (IJK) has a volatility of 4.51%. This indicates that PAMC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IJK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PAMC	IJK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.80%	4.51%	-0.71%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.13%	13.89%	+0.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.88%	17.73%	+1.15%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.31%	20.80%	-0.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.65%	21.06%	-0.41%

PAMC vs. IJK - Expense Ratio Comparison

PAMC has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than IJK's 0.17% expense ratio.

Dividends

PAMC vs. IJK - Dividend Comparison

PAMC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.12%, more than IJK's 0.54% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IJK iShares S&P MidCap 400 Growth ETF	0.54%	0.66%	0.79%	1.13%	1.08%	0.50%	0.70%	1.09%	1.13%	0.93%	1.15%	1.12%
PAMC Pacer Lunt MidCap Multi-Factor Alternator ETF	1.12%	1.11%	0.97%	0.69%	1.29%	0.36%	0.30%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PAMC and IJK in my portfolio?

PAMC and IJK 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, PAMC or IJK?

IJK has higher volatility (4.51%) compared to PAMC (3.80%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PAMC dropped -27.04% vs IJK's -54.47%.

Which ETF is better, PAMC or IJK?

On 5-year performance, PAMC leads with 10.69% vs 8.49% for IJK. On fees, IJK is cheaper at 0.17% per year. On volatility, PAMC has been the lower-risk option at 3.80%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PAMC or IJK?

Over the 5-year period, PAMC has performed better with a 10.69% return vs 8.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PAMC or IJK?

IJK is cheaper with a 0.17% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for PAMC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PAMC or IJK?

PAMC has the higher dividend yield at 1.12%, compared with 0.54% for IJK.

What is the main difference between PAMC and IJK?

PAMC tracks Lunt Capital U.S. MidCap Multi-Factor Rotation Index, while IJK tracks S&P MidCap 400 Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: Pacer and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for PAMC and 0.17% for IJK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IJK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.37 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.