PEXL vs. FFSM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PEXL (Pacer US Export Leaders ETF) and FFSM (Fidelity Fundamental Small-Mid Cap ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. PEXL is passively managed, while FFSM is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, PEXL returned 12.45%/yr vs 11.05%/yr for FFSM. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PEXL charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.43%/yr for FFSM.

Performance

PEXL vs. FFSM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer US Export Leaders ETF (PEXL) and Fidelity Fundamental Small-Mid Cap ETF (FFSM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PEXL achieves a 19.63% return, which is significantly lower than FFSM's 21.69% return.

PEXL

• 1D: -2.96%
• 1M: 2.42%
• YTD: 19.63%
• 6M: 18.58%
• 1Y: 45.53%
• 3Y*: 20.68%
• 5Y*: 12.45%
• 10Y*: —

FFSM

• 1D: -1.51%
• 1M: 4.83%
• YTD: 21.69%
• 6M: 18.97%
• 1Y: 40.76%
• 3Y*: 22.13%
• 5Y*: 11.05%
• 10Y*: —

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

PEXL vs. FFSM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
PEXL Pacer US Export Leaders ETF	19.63%	27.33%	5.79%	24.40%	-20.41%	26.82%
FFSM Fidelity Fundamental Small-Mid Cap ETF	21.69%	14.89%	14.38%	17.30%	-16.35%	20.44%

Correlation

The correlation between PEXL and FFSM is 0.84, 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	0.84
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 4, 2021	0.89

The correlation between PEXL and FFSM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

PEXL vs. FFSM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PEXL	FFSM
Technology	58.8%	14.0%
Communication Services	13.9%	-
Healthcare	6.8%	9.1%
Industrials	6.1%	29.5%
Consumer Defensive	5.9%	2.3%
Basic Materials	3.8%	6.2%
Consumer Cyclical	3.8%	12.2%
Energy	0.9%	2.2%
Financial Services	-	22.7%
Real Estate	-	0.0%
Utilities	-	1.8%

Return for Risk

PEXL vs. FFSM — Risk / Return Rank

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

PEXL

PEXL Risk / Return Rank: 79
PEXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
PEXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
PEXL Omega Ratio Rank: 73
PEXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
PEXL Martin Ratio Rank: 85

FFSM

FFSM Risk / Return Rank: 75
FFSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
FFSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
FFSM Omega Ratio Rank: 69
FFSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
FFSM Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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.

PEXL vs. FFSM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer US Export Leaders ETF (PEXL) and Fidelity Fundamental Small-Mid Cap ETF (FFSM). 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.

	PEXL	FFSM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.38	2.20	+0.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.14	3.06	+0.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.38	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.00	3.95	+0.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.56	15.89	+0.66

PEXL vs. FFSM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PEXL Sharpe Ratio is 2.38, which is comparable to the FFSM Sharpe Ratio of 2.20. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PEXL and FFSM, 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

PEXL vs. FFSM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PEXL drawdown since its inception was -36.76%, which is greater than FFSM's maximum drawdown of -26.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PEXL and FFSM.

Drawdown Indicators

	PEXL	FFSM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.76%	-26.65%	-10.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.43%	-10.37%	-1.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.72%	-24.78%	+0.06%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.44%	-26.65%	-3.79%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.37%	-1.51%	-1.86%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.69%	-7.79%	+1.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.76%	2.57%	+0.19%

Volatility

PEXL vs. FFSM - Volatility Comparison

Pacer US Export Leaders ETF (PEXL) has a higher volatility of 8.72% compared to Fidelity Fundamental Small-Mid Cap ETF (FFSM) at 6.36%. This indicates that PEXL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FFSM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PEXL	FFSM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.72%	6.36%	+2.36%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.95%	14.66%	+0.29%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.25%	18.65%	+0.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.12%	20.76%	+1.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.13%	20.62%	+3.51%

PEXL vs. FFSM - Expense Ratio Comparison

PEXL has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than FFSM's 0.43% expense ratio.

Dividends

PEXL vs. FFSM - Dividend Comparison

PEXL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.30%, less than FFSM's 0.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
FFSM Fidelity Fundamental Small-Mid Cap ETF	0.43%	0.56%	0.62%	0.56%	0.58%	0.37%	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 PEXL and FFSM in my portfolio?

PEXL and FFSM have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PEXL or FFSM?

PEXL has higher volatility (8.72%) compared to FFSM (6.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PEXL dropped -36.76% vs FFSM's -26.65%.

Which ETF is better, PEXL or FFSM?

On 5-year performance, PEXL leads with 12.45% vs 11.05% for FFSM. On fees, FFSM is cheaper at 0.43% per year. On volatility, FFSM has been the lower-risk option at 6.36%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PEXL or FFSM?

Over the 5-year period, PEXL has performed better with a 12.45% return vs 11.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PEXL or FFSM?

FFSM is cheaper with a 0.43% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for PEXL.

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

FFSM has the higher dividend yield at 0.43%, compared with 0.30% for PEXL.

What is the main difference between PEXL and FFSM?

They also come from different issuers: Pacer and Fidelity. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for PEXL and 0.43% for FFSM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PEXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.38 vs 2.20), 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.