PSCX vs. PTLC

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PSCX (Pacer Swan SOS Conservative (December) ETF) and PTLC (Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds from Pacer. PSCX is actively managed, while PTLC is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, PSCX returned 8.46%/yr vs 10.72%/yr for PTLC. A 0.80 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PSCX charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for PTLC.

Performance

PSCX vs. PTLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer Swan SOS Conservative (December) ETF (PSCX) and Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF (PTLC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PSCX achieves a 5.11% return, which is significantly lower than PTLC's 5.53% return.

PSCX

• 1D: -0.12%
• 1M: 2.00%
• YTD: 5.11%
• 6M: 5.98%
• 1Y: 15.49%
• 3Y*: 12.85%
• 5Y*: 8.46%
• 10Y*: —

PTLC

• 1D: -0.74%
• 1M: 4.98%
• YTD: 5.53%
• 6M: 5.49%
• 1Y: 21.41%
• 3Y*: 14.93%
• 5Y*: 10.72%
• 10Y*: 11.26%

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

PSCX vs. PTLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
PSCX Pacer Swan SOS Conservative (December) ETF	5.11%	12.08%	13.27%	16.57%	-7.35%	9.03%	0.81%
PTLC Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF	5.53%	5.10%	24.31%	16.78%	-8.62%	27.90%	1.79%

Correlation

The correlation between PSCX and PTLC is 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 24, 2020	0.80

The correlation between PSCX and PTLC shifts across timeframes, from 0.78 (5 years) to 0.92 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

PSCX vs. PTLC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PSCX	PTLC
Technology	33.2%	35.6%
Financial Services	12.5%	11.8%
Communication Services	10.3%	11.2%
Consumer Cyclical	10.0%	10.1%
Healthcare	9.6%	8.5%
Industrials	8.4%	8.3%
Consumer Defensive	5.4%	4.9%
Energy	4.2%	3.5%
Utilities	2.6%	2.3%
Real Estate	2.0%	1.9%
Basic Materials	1.9%	1.8%

Return for Risk

PSCX vs. PTLC — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSCX

PSCX Risk / Return Rank: 85
PSCX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
PSCX Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
PSCX Omega Ratio Rank: 90
PSCX Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
PSCX Martin Ratio Rank: 87

PTLC

PTLC Risk / Return Rank: 53
PTLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
PTLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
PTLC Omega Ratio Rank: 54
PTLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
PTLC Martin Ratio Rank: 56

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.

PSCX vs. PTLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Swan SOS Conservative (December) ETF (PSCX) and Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF (PTLC). 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.

	PSCX	PTLC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.82	1.91	+0.91
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.22	2.55	+1.67
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.58	1.34	+0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.70	2.45	+1.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.94	9.71	+9.23
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PSCX vs. PTLC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSCX Sharpe Ratio is 2.82, which is higher than the PTLC Sharpe Ratio of 1.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSCX and PTLC, 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

	PSCX	PTLC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.82	1.91	+0.91
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.20	0.92	+0.28
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.86	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.27	0.70	+0.57

Drawdowns

PSCX vs. PTLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSCX drawdown since its inception was -10.20%, smaller than the maximum PTLC drawdown of -26.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSCX and PTLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSCX	PTLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.20%	-26.63%	+16.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.20%	-8.77%	+4.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.61%	-15.17%	+5.56%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-10.20%	-15.17%	+4.97%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-26.63%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.12%	-0.74%	+0.62%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.87%	-5.64%	+3.77%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.82%	2.21%	-1.39%

Volatility

PSCX vs. PTLC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Pacer Swan SOS Conservative (December) ETF (PSCX) is 0.89%, while Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF (PTLC) has a volatility of 2.88%. This indicates that PSCX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PTLC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PSCX	PTLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.89%	2.88%	-1.99%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.21%	8.15%	-3.94%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.53%	11.27%	-5.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.07%	11.73%	-4.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.96%	13.17%	-6.21%

PSCX vs. PTLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSCX has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than PTLC's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSCX vs. PTLC - Dividend Comparison

PSCX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while PTLC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.01%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PSCX Pacer Swan SOS Conservative (December) 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%
PTLC Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF	1.01%	1.06%	0.67%	1.18%	1.26%	0.73%	1.08%	1.10%	1.00%	0.97%	1.08%	0.42%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSCX and PTLC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, PSCX and PTLC 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, PSCX or PTLC?

PTLC has higher volatility (2.88%) compared to PSCX (0.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSCX dropped -10.20% vs PTLC's -26.63%.

Which ETF is better, PSCX or PTLC?

On 5-year performance, PTLC leads with 10.72% vs 8.46% for PSCX. On fees, PTLC is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, PSCX has been the lower-risk option at 0.89%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PSCX or PTLC?

Over the 5-year period, PTLC has performed better with a 10.72% return vs 8.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PSCX or PTLC?

PTLC is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for PSCX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PSCX or PTLC?

PTLC has the higher dividend yield at 1.01%, compared with 0.00% for PSCX.

What is the main difference between PSCX and PTLC?

Their fees differ too: 0.75% for PSCX and 0.60% for PTLC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PSCX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.82 vs 1.91), 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.