PSMD vs. VTI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PSMD (Pacer Swan SOS Moderate (December) ETF) and VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. PSMD is actively managed, while VTI is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, PSMD returned 8.98%/yr vs 11.90%/yr for VTI. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PSMD charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VTI.

Performance

PSMD vs. VTI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer Swan SOS Moderate (December) ETF (PSMD) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PSMD achieves a 4.91% return, which is significantly lower than VTI's 8.82% return.

PSMD

• 1D: -0.51%
• 1M: -0.09%
• YTD: 4.91%
• 6M: 5.01%
• 1Y: 13.69%
• 3Y*: 12.16%
• 5Y*: 8.98%
• 10Y*: —

VTI

• 1D: -1.39%
• 1M: -0.84%
• YTD: 8.82%
• 6M: 7.71%
• 1Y: 24.22%
• 3Y*: 20.62%
• 5Y*: 11.90%
• 10Y*: 15.14%

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

PSMD vs. VTI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
PSMD Pacer Swan SOS Moderate (December) ETF	4.91%	11.45%	12.78%	17.46%	-4.47%	11.23%	0.55%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	8.82%	17.10%	23.81%	26.05%	-19.52%	25.68%	1.29%

Correlation

The correlation between PSMD and VTI is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.88
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 23, 2020	0.91

The correlation between PSMD and VTI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

PSMD vs. VTI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PSMD	VTI
Technology	34.1%	37.0%
Financial Services	12.6%	11.3%
Communication Services	11.2%	9.8%
Consumer Cyclical	10.6%	9.7%
Healthcare	9.4%	9.0%
Industrials	8.0%	9.4%
Consumer Defensive	5.0%	4.3%
Energy	3.2%	3.3%
Utilities	2.3%	2.1%
Real Estate	1.9%	2.3%
Basic Materials	1.8%	1.9%

Return for Risk

PSMD vs. VTI — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSMD

PSMD Risk / Return Rank: 81
PSMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
PSMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
PSMD Omega Ratio Rank: 87
PSMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
PSMD Martin Ratio Rank: 84

VTI

VTI Risk / Return Rank: 59
VTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
VTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
VTI Omega Ratio Rank: 57
VTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
VTI Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

PSMD vs. VTI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Swan SOS Moderate (December) ETF (PSMD) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). 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.

	PSMD	VTI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.40	1.90	+0.50
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.55	2.59	+0.95
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.49	1.34	+0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.11	2.73	+0.38
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.22	12.14	+4.08

PSMD vs. VTI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSMD Sharpe Ratio is 2.40, which is comparable to the VTI Sharpe Ratio of 1.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSMD and VTI, 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

PSMD vs. VTI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSMD drawdown since its inception was -11.96%, smaller than the maximum VTI drawdown of -55.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSMD and VTI.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSMD	VTI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.96%	-55.45%	+43.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.42%	-8.92%	+4.50%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.70%	-19.30%	+8.60%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-11.96%	-25.36%	+13.40%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.00%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.73%	-2.85%	+2.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.65%	-8.01%	+6.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.85%	2.00%	-1.15%

Volatility

PSMD vs. VTI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Pacer Swan SOS Moderate (December) ETF (PSMD) is 1.93%, while Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) has a volatility of 4.95%. This indicates that PSMD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VTI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PSMD	VTI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.93%	4.95%	-3.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.78%	10.05%	-5.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.75%	12.83%	-7.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.63%	17.51%	-8.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.47%	18.32%	-9.85%

PSMD vs. VTI - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSMD has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than VTI's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSMD vs. VTI - Dividend Comparison

PSMD has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VTI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.04%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PSMD Pacer Swan SOS Moderate (December) ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.47%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	1.04%	1.12%	1.27%	1.44%	1.66%	1.21%	1.42%	1.78%	2.04%	1.71%	1.92%	1.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSMD and VTI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, PSMD and VTI 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, PSMD or VTI?

VTI has higher volatility (4.95%) compared to PSMD (1.93%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSMD dropped -11.96% vs VTI's -55.45%.

Which ETF is better, PSMD or VTI?

On 5-year performance, VTI leads with 11.90% vs 8.98% for PSMD. On fees, VTI is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, PSMD has been the lower-risk option at 1.93%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PSMD or VTI?

Over the 5-year period, VTI has performed better with a 11.90% return vs 8.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PSMD or VTI?

VTI is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for PSMD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PSMD or VTI?

VTI has the higher dividend yield at 1.04%, compared with 0.00% for PSMD.

What is the main difference between PSMD and VTI?

They also come from different issuers: Pacer and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for PSMD and 0.03% for VTI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PSMD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.40 vs 1.90), 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.