PIEL vs. VEA

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

PIEL (Pacer International Export Leaders ETF) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds - PIEL tracks the Pacer International Export Leaders Index while VEA tracks the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PIEL charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VEA.

Performance

PIEL vs. VEA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer International Export Leaders ETF (PIEL) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PIEL achieves a 8.89% return, which is significantly lower than VEA's 10.91% return.

PIEL

• 1D: -5.07%
• 1M: 0.19%
• YTD: 8.89%
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VEA

• 1D: -3.72%
• 1M: -2.40%
• YTD: 10.91%
• 6M: 13.57%
• 1Y: 27.20%
• 3Y*: 18.26%
• 5Y*: 8.83%
• 10Y*: 9.63%

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

PIEL vs. VEA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PIEL Pacer International Export Leaders ETF	8.89%	-0.43%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	10.91%	-0.11%

Correlation

The correlation between PIEL and VEA is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 24, 2025	0.94

Return for Risk

PIEL vs. VEA — Risk / Return Rank

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

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 50
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 51
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 54

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. VEA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer International Export Leaders ETF (PIEL) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	PIEL	VEA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.70	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.53	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.56	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.83	0.24	+0.59

Drawdowns

PIEL vs. VEA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PIEL drawdown since its inception was -14.67%, smaller than the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PIEL and VEA.

Drawdown Indicators

	PIEL	VEA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.67%	-60.68%	+46.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-11.63%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.45%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.71%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.73%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.53%	-4.36%	-1.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.71%	-13.29%	+9.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.99%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PIEL	VEA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	6.17%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	13.88%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.11%	16.09%	+8.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.11%	16.62%	+7.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.11%	17.39%	+6.72%

PIEL vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison

PIEL has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than VEA's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

PIEL vs. VEA - Dividend Comparison

PIEL has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VEA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.71%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PIEL Pacer International Export Leaders ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.71%	3.22%	3.35%	3.15%	2.91%	3.16%	2.04%	3.04%	3.35%	2.77%	3.05%	2.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PIEL and VEA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, PIEL and VEA move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, PIEL or VEA?

On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, PIEL or VEA?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for PIEL.

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

VEA has the higher dividend yield at 2.71%, compared with 0.00% for PIEL.

What is the main difference between PIEL and VEA?

PIEL tracks Pacer International Export Leaders Index, while VEA tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. They also come from different issuers: Pacer and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for PIEL and 0.03% for VEA.