PEXL vs. OPTZ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PEXL (Pacer US Export Leaders ETF) and OPTZ (Optimize Strategy Index ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds - PEXL tracks the Pacer US Export Leaders Index while OPTZ tracks the Optimize Strategy Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, PEXL returned 45.53% vs 61.16% for OPTZ. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PEXL charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for OPTZ.

Performance

PEXL vs. OPTZ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer US Export Leaders ETF (PEXL) and Optimize Strategy Index ETF (OPTZ). 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 OPTZ's 32.54% return.

PEXL

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

OPTZ

• 1D: -3.23%
• 1M: 7.00%
• YTD: 32.54%
• 6M: 30.49%
• 1Y: 61.16%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PEXL vs. OPTZ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
PEXL Pacer US Export Leaders ETF	19.63%	27.33%	3.89%
OPTZ Optimize Strategy Index ETF	32.54%	22.83%	16.41%

Correlation

The correlation between PEXL and OPTZ is 0.88, 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	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 23, 2024	0.90

The correlation between PEXL and OPTZ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

PEXL vs. OPTZ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PEXL	OPTZ
Technology	58.8%	55.4%
Communication Services	13.9%	2.6%
Healthcare	6.8%	9.4%
Industrials	6.1%	8.2%
Consumer Defensive	5.9%	3.5%
Basic Materials	3.8%	1.1%
Consumer Cyclical	3.8%	8.5%
Energy	0.9%	1.3%
Financial Services	-	8.0%
Real Estate	-	1.4%
Utilities	-	0.6%

Return for Risk

PEXL vs. OPTZ — 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

OPTZ

OPTZ Risk / Return Rank: 92
OPTZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
OPTZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
OPTZ Omega Ratio Rank: 89
OPTZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
OPTZ Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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. OPTZ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer US Export Leaders ETF (PEXL) and Optimize Strategy Index ETF (OPTZ). 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	OPTZ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.38	3.09	-0.72
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.14	3.95	-0.81
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.52	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.00	5.78	-1.78
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.56	25.39	-8.83

PEXL vs. OPTZ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PEXL Sharpe Ratio is 2.38, which is comparable to the OPTZ Sharpe Ratio of 3.09. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PEXL and OPTZ, 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. OPTZ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PEXL drawdown since its inception was -36.76%, which is greater than OPTZ's maximum drawdown of -25.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PEXL and OPTZ.

Drawdown Indicators

	PEXL	OPTZ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.76%	-25.75%	-11.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.43%	-10.63%	-0.80%
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	-3.37%	-3.23%	-0.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.69%	-3.36%	-3.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.76%	2.42%	+0.34%

Volatility

PEXL vs. OPTZ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Pacer US Export Leaders ETF (PEXL) is 8.72%, while Optimize Strategy Index ETF (OPTZ) has a volatility of 9.74%. This indicates that PEXL experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than OPTZ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PEXL	OPTZ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.72%	9.74%	-1.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.95%	16.08%	-1.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.25%	19.88%	-0.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.12%	21.28%	+0.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.13%	21.28%	+2.85%

PEXL vs. OPTZ - Expense Ratio Comparison

PEXL has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than OPTZ's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

PEXL vs. OPTZ - Dividend Comparison

PEXL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.30%, less than OPTZ's 0.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
OPTZ Optimize Strategy Index ETF	0.44%	0.58%	0.32%	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 PEXL and OPTZ in my portfolio?

PEXL and OPTZ have a correlation of 0.88, 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 OPTZ?

OPTZ has higher volatility (9.74%) compared to PEXL (8.72%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PEXL dropped -36.76% vs OPTZ's -25.75%.

Which ETF is better, PEXL or OPTZ?

On 1-year performance, OPTZ leads with 61.16% vs 45.53% for PEXL. On fees, OPTZ is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, PEXL has been the lower-risk option at 8.72%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PEXL or OPTZ?

Over the 1-year period, OPTZ has performed better with a 61.16% return vs 45.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PEXL or OPTZ?

OPTZ is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for PEXL.

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

OPTZ has the higher dividend yield at 0.44%, compared with 0.30% for PEXL.

What is the main difference between PEXL and OPTZ?

PEXL tracks Pacer US Export Leaders Index, while OPTZ tracks Optimize Strategy Index. They also come from different issuers: Pacer and Optimize. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for PEXL and 0.25% for OPTZ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

OPTZ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.09 vs 2.38), 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.