PSFD vs. PTLC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PSFD (Pacer Swan SOS Flex (December) ETF) and PTLC (Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds from Pacer. PSFD is actively managed, while PTLC is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, PSFD returned 11.39%/yr vs 9.97%/yr for PTLC. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PSFD charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for PTLC.

Performance

PSFD vs. PTLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer Swan SOS Flex (December) ETF (PSFD) 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, PSFD achieves a 5.64% return, which is significantly higher than PTLC's 2.97% return.

PSFD

• 1D: -0.62%
• 1M: -0.17%
• YTD: 5.64%
• 6M: 5.57%
• 1Y: 15.94%
• 3Y*: 14.12%
• 5Y*: 11.39%
• 10Y*: —

PTLC

• 1D: -1.38%
• 1M: -1.33%
• YTD: 2.97%
• 6M: 2.00%
• 1Y: 17.43%
• 3Y*: 13.44%
• 5Y*: 9.97%
• 10Y*: 11.31%

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

PSFD vs. PTLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
PSFD Pacer Swan SOS Flex (December) ETF	5.64%	12.93%	14.54%	20.95%	-3.06%	18.23%	1.33%
PTLC Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF	2.97%	5.10%	24.31%	16.78%	-8.62%	27.90%	1.90%

Correlation

The correlation between PSFD and PTLC is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.88
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 23, 2020	0.81

The correlation between PSFD and PTLC shifts across timeframes, from 0.79 (5 years) to 0.93 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

PSFD vs. PTLC — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSFD

PSFD Risk / Return Rank: 76
PSFD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
PSFD Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
PSFD Omega Ratio Rank: 84
PSFD Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
PSFD Martin Ratio Rank: 77

PTLC

PTLC Risk / Return Rank: 43
PTLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
PTLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
PTLC Omega Ratio Rank: 42
PTLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
PTLC Martin Ratio Rank: 48

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. PTLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

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	PTLC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.30	1.46	+0.84
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.36	1.97	+1.39
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.26	+0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.72	2.00	+0.73
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.72	7.66	+6.05

PSFD vs. PTLC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSFD Sharpe Ratio is 2.30, which is higher than the PTLC Sharpe Ratio of 1.46. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSFD 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.

Drawdowns

PSFD vs. PTLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSFD drawdown since its inception was -14.94%, smaller than the maximum PTLC drawdown of -26.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSFD and PTLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSFD	PTLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.94%	-26.63%	+11.69%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.88%	-8.77%	+2.89%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.26%	-15.17%	+2.91%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-14.94%	-15.17%	+0.23%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-26.63%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.99%	-3.15%	+2.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.00%	-5.63%	+3.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.16%	2.28%	-1.12%

Volatility

PSFD vs. PTLC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Pacer Swan SOS Flex (December) ETF (PSFD) is 2.28%, while Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF (PTLC) has a volatility of 4.91%. This indicates that PSFD 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

	PSFD	PTLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.28%	4.91%	-2.63%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.98%	9.19%	-3.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.98%	11.98%	-5.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.51%	11.87%	-1.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.42%	13.19%	-2.77%

PSFD vs. PTLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

PSFD vs. PTLC - Dividend Comparison

PSFD has not paid dividends to shareholders, while PTLC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.03%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PSFD Pacer Swan SOS Flex (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	1.03%	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 PSFD and PTLC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, PSFD 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, PSFD or PTLC?

PTLC has higher volatility (4.91%) compared to PSFD (2.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSFD dropped -14.94% vs PTLC's -26.63%.

Which ETF is better, PSFD or PTLC?

On 5-year performance, PSFD leads with 11.39% vs 9.97% for PTLC. On fees, PTLC is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, PSFD has been the lower-risk option at 2.28%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PSFD or PTLC?

Over the 5-year period, PSFD has performed better with a 11.39% return vs 9.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PSFD or PTLC?

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

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

PTLC has the higher dividend yield at 1.03%, compared with 0.00% for PSFD.

What is the main difference between PSFD and PTLC?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PSFD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.30 vs 1.46), 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.