PTL vs. ISMD

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

PTL (Inspire 500 ETF) and ISMD (Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PTL is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Inspire 500 Index, while ISMD is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact Equal Weight Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, PTL returned 30.03% vs 41.83% for ISMD. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PTL charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.57%/yr for ISMD.

Performance

PTL vs. ISMD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Inspire 500 ETF (PTL) and Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF (ISMD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PTL achieves a 15.92% return, which is significantly lower than ISMD's 25.75% return.

PTL

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 2.19%
• YTD: 15.92%
• 6M: 14.59%
• 1Y: 30.03%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ISMD

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 4.88%
• YTD: 25.75%
• 6M: 23.26%
• 1Y: 41.83%
• 3Y*: 17.53%
• 5Y*: 8.71%
• 10Y*: —

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

PTL vs. ISMD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
PTL Inspire 500 ETF	15.92%	17.92%	7.22%
ISMD Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF	25.75%	4.14%	8.09%

Correlation

The correlation between PTL and ISMD 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 Mar 26, 2024	0.78

The correlation between PTL and ISMD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.72 to 0.78 - a consistent structural relationship.

PTL vs. ISMD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PTL	ISMD
Technology	33.5%	17.6%
Industrials	18.6%	16.7%
Energy	9.1%	3.7%
Financial Services	7.7%	15.0%
Consumer Cyclical	6.4%	11.0%
Basic Materials	6.1%	4.8%
Real Estate	6.0%	8.1%
Healthcare	5.1%	10.4%
Utilities	4.3%	3.1%
Consumer Defensive	2.1%	5.3%
Communication Services	1.2%	2.8%

Return for Risk

PTL vs. ISMD — Risk / Return Rank

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

PTL

PTL Risk / Return Rank: 66
PTL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
PTL Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
PTL Omega Ratio Rank: 57
PTL Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
PTL Martin Ratio Rank: 76

ISMD

ISMD Risk / Return Rank: 74
ISMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
ISMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
ISMD Omega Ratio Rank: 65
ISMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
ISMD Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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.

PTL vs. ISMD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Inspire 500 ETF (PTL) and Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF (ISMD). 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.

	PTL	ISMD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.95	2.24	-0.30
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.63	3.11	-0.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.38	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.98	4.36	-0.38
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.92	13.71	+0.21

PTL vs. ISMD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PTL Sharpe Ratio is 1.95, which is comparable to the ISMD Sharpe Ratio of 2.24. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PTL and ISMD, 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

PTL vs. ISMD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PTL drawdown since its inception was -19.72%, smaller than the maximum ISMD drawdown of -44.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PTL and ISMD.

Drawdown Indicators

	PTL	ISMD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.72%	-44.60%	+24.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.57%	-9.64%	+2.07%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-26.64%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.64%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.80%	-0.17%	-1.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.48%	-8.13%	+5.65%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.16%	3.06%	-0.90%

Volatility

PTL vs. ISMD - Volatility Comparison

Inspire 500 ETF (PTL) and Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF (ISMD) have volatilities of 5.90% and 5.62%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PTL	ISMD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.90%	5.62%	+0.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.92%	13.04%	-1.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.53%	18.79%	-3.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.84%	20.88%	-3.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.84%	23.72%	-5.88%

PTL vs. ISMD - Expense Ratio Comparison

PTL has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than ISMD's 0.57% expense ratio.

Dividends

PTL vs. ISMD - Dividend Comparison

PTL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.11%, more than ISMD's 0.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ISMD Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF	0.92%	1.21%	1.24%	1.17%	1.28%	9.35%	0.99%	0.88%	1.35%	2.02%
PTL Inspire 500 ETF	1.11%	1.24%	0.92%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PTL and ISMD in my portfolio?

PTL and ISMD 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, PTL or ISMD?

PTL has higher volatility (5.90%) compared to ISMD (5.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PTL dropped -19.72% vs ISMD's -44.60%.

Which ETF is better, PTL or ISMD?

On 1-year performance, ISMD leads with 41.83% vs 30.03% for PTL. On fees, PTL is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, ISMD has been the lower-risk option at 5.62%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PTL or ISMD?

Over the 1-year period, ISMD has performed better with a 41.83% return vs 30.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PTL or ISMD?

PTL is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.57% for ISMD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PTL or ISMD?

PTL has the higher dividend yield at 1.11%, compared with 0.92% for ISMD.

What is the main difference between PTL and ISMD?

PTL is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while ISMD is Small Cap Blend Equities. PTL tracks Inspire 500 Index, while ISMD tracks Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact Equal Weight Index. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for PTL and 0.57% for ISMD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ISMD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.24 vs 1.95), 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.