PTBD vs. TRFK

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PTBD (Pacer Trendpilot US Bond ETF) and TRFK (Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PTBD is a High Yield Bonds fund tracking the Pacer Trendpilot US Bond Index, while TRFK is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Pacer Data Transmission and Communication Revolution Index - Benchmark TR Net. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, PTBD returned 4.95%/yr vs 54.15%/yr for TRFK. At a 0.40 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. Both charge a 0.60% expense ratio.

Performance

PTBD vs. TRFK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer Trendpilot US Bond ETF (PTBD) and Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF (TRFK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PTBD achieves a 0.78% return, which is significantly lower than TRFK's 69.94% return.

PTBD

• 1D: -0.18%
• 1M: 0.49%
• YTD: 0.78%
• 6M: 0.48%
• 1Y: 3.56%
• 3Y*: 4.95%
• 5Y*: -1.58%
• 10Y*: —

TRFK

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: 31.98%
• YTD: 69.94%
• 6M: 62.01%
• 1Y: 103.92%
• 3Y*: 54.15%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PTBD vs. TRFK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
PTBD Pacer Trendpilot US Bond ETF	0.78%	2.49%	4.24%	8.84%	-5.40%
TRFK Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF	69.94%	26.81%	38.30%	66.63%	-10.61%

Correlation

The correlation between PTBD and TRFK is 0.38, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.38
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.36
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 10, 2022	0.40

Return for Risk

PTBD vs. TRFK — Risk / Return Rank

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

PTBD

PTBD Risk / Return Rank: 27
PTBD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
PTBD Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
PTBD Omega Ratio Rank: 26
PTBD Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
PTBD Martin Ratio Rank: 30

TRFK

TRFK Risk / Return Rank: 86
TRFK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
TRFK Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
TRFK Omega Ratio Rank: 87
TRFK Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
TRFK 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.

PTBD vs. TRFK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Trendpilot US Bond ETF (PTBD) and Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF (TRFK). 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.

	PTBD	TRFK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.96	3.78	-2.82
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.39	4.39	-2.99
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.55	-0.38
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.15	5.34	-4.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.34	12.82	-8.48
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PTBD vs. TRFK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PTBD Sharpe Ratio is 0.96, which is lower than the TRFK Sharpe Ratio of 3.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PTBD and TRFK, 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

	PTBD	TRFK	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96	3.78	-2.82
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.22	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.11	1.58	-1.47

Drawdowns

PTBD vs. TRFK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PTBD drawdown since its inception was -26.00%, smaller than the maximum TRFK drawdown of -29.06%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PTBD and TRFK.

Drawdown Indicators

	PTBD	TRFK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-26.00%	-29.06%	+3.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.12%	-19.56%	+16.44%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-3.82%	-29.06%	+25.24%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.00%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.06%	-0.06%	-9.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.16%	-6.04%	-4.12%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.82%	8.13%	-7.31%

Volatility

PTBD vs. TRFK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Pacer Trendpilot US Bond ETF (PTBD) is 1.25%, while Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF (TRFK) has a volatility of 9.93%. This indicates that PTBD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than TRFK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PTBD	TRFK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.25%	9.93%	-8.68%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.83%	21.73%	-18.90%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.72%	27.70%	-23.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.25%	28.91%	-21.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.81%	28.91%	-21.10%

PTBD vs. TRFK - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both PTBD and TRFK have an expense ratio of 0.60%.

Dividends

PTBD vs. TRFK - Dividend Comparison

PTBD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.88%, more than TRFK's 0.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
PTBD Pacer Trendpilot US Bond ETF	5.88%	5.62%	6.56%	6.55%	6.14%	2.70%	2.50%	0.62%
TRFK Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF	0.01%	0.01%	0.40%	0.20%	0.56%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PTBD and TRFK in my portfolio?

PTBD and TRFK have a correlation of 0.38, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PTBD or TRFK?

TRFK has higher volatility (9.93%) compared to PTBD (1.25%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PTBD dropped -26.00% vs TRFK's -29.06%.

Which ETF is better, PTBD or TRFK?

On 3-year performance, TRFK leads with 54.15% vs 4.95% for PTBD. Both ETFs have the same 0.60% expense ratio. On volatility, PTBD has been the lower-risk option at 1.25%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PTBD or TRFK?

Over the 3-year period, TRFK has performed better with a 54.15% return vs 4.95%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PTBD or TRFK?

PTBD and TRFK have the same expense ratio: 0.60% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PTBD or TRFK?

PTBD has the higher dividend yield at 5.88%, compared with 0.01% for TRFK.

What is the main difference between PTBD and TRFK?

PTBD is categorized as High Yield Bonds, while TRFK is Technology Equities. PTBD tracks Pacer Trendpilot US Bond Index, while TRFK tracks Pacer Data Transmission and Communication Revolution Index - Benchmark TR Net.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TRFK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.78 vs 0.96), 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.