PATN vs. PIEQ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PATN (Pacer Nasdaq International Patent Leaders ETF) and PIEQ (Principal International Equity ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. PATN is passively managed, while PIEQ is actively managed. Over the past year, PATN returned 65.39% vs 25.45% for PIEQ. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PATN charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.48%/yr for PIEQ.

Performance

PATN vs. PIEQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer Nasdaq International Patent Leaders ETF (PATN) and Principal International Equity ETF (PIEQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PATN achieves a 34.64% return, which is significantly higher than PIEQ's 6.28% return.

PATN

• 1D: -5.19%
• 1M: 4.01%
• YTD: 34.64%
• 6M: 35.70%
• 1Y: 65.39%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PIEQ

• 1D: -2.78%
• 1M: -0.26%
• YTD: 6.28%
• 6M: 7.15%
• 1Y: 25.45%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PATN vs. PIEQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
PATN Pacer Nasdaq International Patent Leaders ETF	34.64%	40.01%	-3.38%
PIEQ Principal International Equity ETF	6.28%	38.10%	-2.98%

Correlation

The correlation between PATN and PIEQ is 0.83, 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	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 6, 2024	0.83

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

Return for Risk

PATN vs. PIEQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

PATN

PATN Risk / Return Rank: 87
PATN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
PATN Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
PATN Omega Ratio Rank: 87
PATN Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
PATN Martin Ratio Rank: 88

PIEQ

PIEQ Risk / Return Rank: 53
PIEQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
PIEQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
PIEQ Omega Ratio Rank: 48
PIEQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
PIEQ Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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.

PATN vs. PIEQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Nasdaq International Patent Leaders ETF (PATN) and Principal International Equity ETF (PIEQ). 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.

	PATN	PIEQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.75	1.51	+1.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.37	2.13	+1.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.49	1.28	+0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.56	2.68	+1.88
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.76	10.41	+7.35

PATN vs. PIEQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PATN Sharpe Ratio is 2.75, which is higher than the PIEQ Sharpe Ratio of 1.51. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PATN and PIEQ, 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

PATN vs. PIEQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PATN drawdown since its inception was -16.77%, which is greater than PIEQ's maximum drawdown of -15.17%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PATN and PIEQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	PATN	PIEQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.77%	-15.17%	-1.60%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.40%	-9.53%	-4.87%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.19%	-4.29%	-0.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.17%	-1.95%	-1.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.69%	2.45%	+1.24%

Volatility

PATN vs. PIEQ - Volatility Comparison

Pacer Nasdaq International Patent Leaders ETF (PATN) has a higher volatility of 12.88% compared to Principal International Equity ETF (PIEQ) at 7.28%. This indicates that PATN's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PIEQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PATN	PIEQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.88%	7.28%	+5.60%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.37%	14.90%	+6.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.92%	16.96%	+6.96%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.26%	17.81%	+4.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.26%	17.81%	+4.45%

PATN vs. PIEQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

PATN has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than PIEQ's 0.48% expense ratio.

Dividends

PATN vs. PIEQ - Dividend Comparison

PATN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.61%, more than PIEQ's 1.21% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
PATN Pacer Nasdaq International Patent Leaders ETF	1.61%	2.25%	0.30%
PIEQ Principal International Equity ETF	1.21%	1.28%	0.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PATN and PIEQ in my portfolio?

PATN and PIEQ have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PATN or PIEQ?

PATN has higher volatility (12.88%) compared to PIEQ (7.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PATN dropped -16.77% vs PIEQ's -15.17%.

Which ETF is better, PATN or PIEQ?

On 1-year performance, PATN leads with 65.39% vs 25.45% for PIEQ. On fees, PIEQ is cheaper at 0.48% per year. On volatility, PIEQ has been the lower-risk option at 7.28%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PATN or PIEQ?

Over the 1-year period, PATN has performed better with a 65.39% return vs 25.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PATN or PIEQ?

PIEQ is cheaper with a 0.48% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for PATN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PATN or PIEQ?

PATN has the higher dividend yield at 1.61%, compared with 1.21% for PIEQ.

What is the main difference between PATN and PIEQ?

They also come from different issuers: Pacer and Principal. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for PATN and 0.48% for PIEQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PATN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.75 vs 1.51), 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.