PIEL vs. TRFK

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

PIEL (Pacer International Export Leaders ETF) and TRFK (Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PIEL is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the Pacer International Export Leaders Index, while TRFK is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Pacer Data Transmission and Communication Revolution Index - Benchmark TR Net. Both are passively managed. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.60% expense ratio.

Performance

PIEL vs. TRFK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer International Export Leaders ETF (PIEL) and Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF (TRFK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PIEL achieves a 14.89% return, which is significantly lower than TRFK's 56.79% return.

PIEL

• 1D: -0.23%
• 1M: -0.18%
• 6M: 9.81%
• YTD: 14.89%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

TRFK

• 1D: -0.95%
• 1M: 0.81%
• 6M: 55.79%
• YTD: 56.79%
• 1Y: 69.46%
• 3Y*: 47.42%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PIEL vs. TRFK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PIEL Pacer International Export Leaders ETF	14.89%	-0.43%
TRFK Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF	56.79%	-1.10%

Correlation

The correlation between PIEL and TRFK is 0.67, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 23, 2025	0.67

Return for Risk

PIEL vs. TRFK — Risk / Return Rank

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

PIEL

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

TRFK

TRFK Risk / Return Rank: 72
TRFK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
TRFK Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
TRFK Omega Ratio Rank: 70
TRFK Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
TRFK Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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.

PIEL vs. TRFK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer International Export Leaders ETF (PIEL) and Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF (TRFK). 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.

	PIEL	TRFK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.03	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.51	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.33	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	3.53	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	8.03	—

Drawdowns

PIEL vs. TRFK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PIEL drawdown since its inception was -14.67%, smaller than the maximum TRFK drawdown of -29.06%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PIEL and TRFK.

Drawdown Indicators

	PIEL	TRFK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.67%	-29.06%	+14.39%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-19.56%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-29.06%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.89%	-9.65%	+5.76%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.42%	-6.07%	+2.65%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	8.57%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PIEL	TRFK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	17.92%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	29.05%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.81%	33.93%	-9.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.81%	30.26%	-5.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.81%	30.26%	-5.45%

PIEL vs. TRFK - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both PIEL and TRFK have an expense ratio of 0.60%.

Dividends

PIEL vs. TRFK - Dividend Comparison

PIEL has not paid dividends to shareholders, while TRFK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.01%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
PIEL Pacer International Export Leaders ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
TRFK Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF	0.01%	0.01%	0.40%	0.20%	0.56%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PIEL and TRFK in my portfolio?

PIEL and TRFK have a correlation of 0.67, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, PIEL or TRFK?

Both ETFs have the same 0.60% expense ratio. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, PIEL or TRFK?

PIEL and TRFK have the same expense ratio: 0.60% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PIEL or TRFK?

TRFK has the higher dividend yield at 0.01%, compared with 0.00% for PIEL.

What is the main difference between PIEL and TRFK?

PIEL is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while TRFK is Technology Equities. PIEL tracks Pacer International Export Leaders Index, while TRFK tracks Pacer Data Transmission and Communication Revolution Index - Benchmark TR Net.