PSFD vs. ESN

Last updated Jun 19, 2026

PSFD (Pacer Swan SOS Flex (December) ETF) and ESN (Essential 40 Stock ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. PSFD is actively managed, while ESN is passively managed. Over the past year, PSFD returned 17.56% vs 26.11% for ESN. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PSFD charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for ESN.

Performance

PSFD vs. ESN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer Swan SOS Flex (December) ETF (PSFD) and Essential 40 Stock ETF (ESN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PSFD achieves a 6.48% return, which is significantly lower than ESN's 14.09% return.

PSFD

• 1D: 0.63%
• 1M: 1.32%
• YTD: 6.48%
• 6M: 7.08%
• 1Y: 17.56%
• 3Y*: 14.19%
• 5Y*: 11.88%
• 10Y*: —

ESN

• 1D: 0.35%
• 1M: 1.93%
• YTD: 14.09%
• 6M: 14.92%
• 1Y: 26.11%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PSFD vs. ESN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
PSFD Pacer Swan SOS Flex (December) ETF	6.48%	12.93%	1.67%
ESN Essential 40 Stock ETF	14.09%	16.52%	-3.53%

Correlation

The correlation between PSFD and ESN is 0.72, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 21, 2024	0.74

The correlation between PSFD and ESN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.72 to 0.74 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PSFD vs. ESN — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSFD

PSFD Risk / Return Rank: 81
PSFD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
PSFD Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
PSFD Omega Ratio Rank: 89
PSFD Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
PSFD Martin Ratio Rank: 81

ESN

ESN Risk / Return Rank: 84
ESN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
ESN Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
ESN Omega Ratio Rank: 81
ESN Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
ESN Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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.

PSFD vs. ESN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Swan SOS Flex (December) ETF (PSFD) and Essential 40 Stock ETF (ESN). 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.

	PSFD	ESN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.54	2.62	-0.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.70	3.61	+0.09
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.52	1.45	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.00	4.08	-1.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.13	16.09	-0.95

PSFD vs. ESN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSFD Sharpe Ratio is 2.54, which is comparable to the ESN Sharpe Ratio of 2.62. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSFD and ESN, 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

PSFD vs. ESN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSFD drawdown since its inception was -14.94%, which is greater than ESN's maximum drawdown of -13.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSFD and ESN.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSFD	ESN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.94%	-13.60%	-1.34%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.88%	-6.42%	+0.54%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.26%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-14.94%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.20%	-1.56%	+1.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.00%	-1.86%	-0.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.16%	1.63%	-0.47%

Volatility

PSFD vs. ESN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Pacer Swan SOS Flex (December) ETF (PSFD) is 2.19%, while Essential 40 Stock ETF (ESN) has a volatility of 3.40%. This indicates that PSFD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ESN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PSFD	ESN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.19%	3.40%	-1.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.98%	7.47%	-1.49%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.95%	10.03%	-3.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.51%	13.31%	-2.80%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.42%	13.31%	-2.89%

PSFD vs. ESN - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSFD has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than ESN's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSFD vs. ESN - Dividend Comparison

PSFD has not paid dividends to shareholders, while ESN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.80%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
ESN Essential 40 Stock ETF	0.80%	0.91%	0.76%
PSFD Pacer Swan SOS Flex (December) ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSFD and ESN in my portfolio?

PSFD and ESN have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PSFD or ESN?

ESN has higher volatility (3.40%) compared to PSFD (2.19%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSFD dropped -14.94% vs ESN's -13.60%.

Which ETF is better, PSFD or ESN?

On 1-year performance, ESN leads with 26.11% vs 17.56% for PSFD. On fees, ESN is cheaper at 0.70% per year. On volatility, PSFD has been the lower-risk option at 2.19%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PSFD or ESN?

Over the 1-year period, ESN has performed better with a 26.11% return vs 17.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PSFD or ESN?

ESN is cheaper with a 0.70% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for PSFD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PSFD or ESN?

ESN has the higher dividend yield at 0.80%, compared with 0.00% for PSFD.

What is the main difference between PSFD and ESN?

They also come from different issuers: Pacer and KKM Financial. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for PSFD and 0.70% for ESN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ESN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.62 vs 2.54), 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.