PODAX vs. POCAX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PODAX (Pacific Funds Portfolio Optimization Growth) and POCAX (Pacific Funds Portfolio Optimization Moderate) are both Diversified Portfolio funds from Pacific Funds Series Trust. Over the past 10 years, PODAX returned 9.43%/yr vs 7.90%/yr for POCAX. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.60% expense ratio.

Performance

PODAX vs. POCAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacific Funds Portfolio Optimization Growth (PODAX) and Pacific Funds Portfolio Optimization Moderate (POCAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PODAX achieves a 10.11% return, which is significantly higher than POCAX's 7.88% return. Over the past 10 years, PODAX has outperformed POCAX with an annualized return of 9.43%, while POCAX has yielded a comparatively lower 7.90% annualized return.

PODAX

• 1D: 0.28%
• 1M: 4.06%
• YTD: 10.11%
• 6M: 9.96%
• 1Y: 22.63%
• 3Y*: 15.87%
• 5Y*: 6.98%
• 10Y*: 9.43%

POCAX

• 1D: 0.23%
• 1M: 3.46%
• YTD: 7.88%
• 6M: 7.68%
• 1Y: 18.54%
• 3Y*: 13.49%
• 5Y*: 5.59%
• 10Y*: 7.90%

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

PODAX vs. POCAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PODAX Pacific Funds Portfolio Optimization Growth	10.11%	14.76%	13.49%	15.95%	-19.68%	15.37%	14.99%	23.96%	-8.79%	16.35%
POCAX Pacific Funds Portfolio Optimization Moderate	7.88%	12.91%	11.62%	13.95%	-18.67%	11.94%	14.65%	20.36%	-7.41%	13.51%

Correlation

The correlation between PODAX and POCAX is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 7, 2004	0.99

The correlation between PODAX and POCAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PODAX vs. POCAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PODAX

PODAX Risk / Return Rank: 62
PODAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
PODAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
PODAX Omega Ratio Rank: 56
PODAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
PODAX Martin Ratio Rank: 73

POCAX

POCAX Risk / Return Rank: 62
POCAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
POCAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
POCAX Omega Ratio Rank: 59
POCAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
POCAX Martin Ratio Rank: 69

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.

PODAX vs. POCAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacific Funds Portfolio Optimization Growth (PODAX) and Pacific Funds Portfolio Optimization Moderate (POCAX). 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.

	PODAX	POCAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.27	2.30	-0.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.23	3.28	-0.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.43	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.10	2.96	+0.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.90	13.42	+0.48
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PODAX vs. POCAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PODAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.27, which is comparable to the POCAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.30. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PODAX and POCAX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	PODAX	POCAX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.27	2.30	-0.02
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.35	0.33	+0.02
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.54	0.55	-0.01
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.44	0.50	-0.06

Drawdowns

PODAX vs. POCAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PODAX drawdown since its inception was -50.14%, which is greater than POCAX's maximum drawdown of -40.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PODAX and POCAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PODAX	POCAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.14%	-40.19%	-9.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.53%	-6.47%	-1.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.02%	-12.03%	-2.99%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.99%	-24.92%	-2.07%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.11%	-26.59%	-5.52%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.57%	-4.94%	-1.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.67%	1.42%	+0.25%

Volatility

PODAX vs. POCAX - Volatility Comparison

Pacific Funds Portfolio Optimization Growth (PODAX) has a higher volatility of 2.90% compared to Pacific Funds Portfolio Optimization Moderate (POCAX) at 2.43%. This indicates that PODAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than POCAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PODAX	POCAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.90%	2.43%	+0.47%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.02%	6.62%	+1.40%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.25%	8.32%	+1.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.90%	16.90%	+3.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.50%	14.46%	+3.04%

PODAX vs. POCAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both PODAX and POCAX have an expense ratio of 0.60%.

Dividends

PODAX vs. POCAX - Dividend Comparison

PODAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.78%, more than POCAX's 6.83% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
POCAX Pacific Funds Portfolio Optimization Moderate	6.83%	7.37%	2.97%	1.68%	22.92%	8.62%	3.11%	5.02%	22.38%	3.85%	5.44%	6.68%
PODAX Pacific Funds Portfolio Optimization Growth	8.78%	9.67%	2.68%	1.34%	26.52%	10.54%	2.64%	6.88%	25.73%	4.01%	6.37%	8.05%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PODAX and POCAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, PODAX and POCAX 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 is riskier, PODAX or POCAX?

PODAX has higher volatility (2.90%) compared to POCAX (2.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PODAX dropped -50.14% vs POCAX's -40.19%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

POCAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.30 vs 2.27), 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.