PTLC vs. PTNQ
PTLC (Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF) and PTNQ (Pacer Trendpilot 100 ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds from Pacer - PTLC tracks the Pacer Trendpilot U.S. Large Cap Index while PTNQ tracks the Pacer NASDAQ-100 Trendpilot Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PTLC returned 11.31%/yr vs 16.40%/yr for PTNQ. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PTLC charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for PTNQ.
Performance
PTLC vs. PTNQ - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, PTLC achieves a 2.97% return, which is significantly lower than PTNQ's 9.62% return. Over the past 10 years, PTLC has underperformed PTNQ with an annualized return of 11.31%, while PTNQ has yielded a comparatively higher 16.40% annualized return.
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%
PTNQ
- 1D
- -3.23%
- 1M
- -0.25%
- YTD
- 9.62%
- 6M
- 8.18%
- 1Y
- 26.55%
- 3Y*
- 13.52%
- 5Y*
- 10.45%
- 10Y*
- 16.40%
PTLC vs. PTNQ - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PTLC Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF | 2.97% | 5.10% | 24.31% | 16.78% | -8.62% | 27.90% | -1.15% | 17.58% | 1.49% | 21.41% |
PTNQ Pacer Trendpilot 100 ETF | 9.62% | 7.18% | 15.47% | 34.65% | -16.00% | 13.16% | 29.38% | 24.00% | 8.51% | 32.70% |
Correlation
The correlation between PTLC and PTNQ is 0.94, 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 | 0.94 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.90 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.78 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.79 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 12, 2015 | 0.78 |
The correlation between PTLC and PTNQ shifts across timeframes, from 0.78 (all time) to 0.94 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
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Return for Risk
PTLC vs. PTNQ — Risk / Return Rank
PTLC
PTNQ
PTLC vs. PTNQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF (PTLC) and Pacer Trendpilot 100 ETF (PTNQ). 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.
| PTLC | PTNQ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.07 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.08 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.26 | 1.27 | -0.01 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.00 | 2.27 | -0.27 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 7.66 | 7.49 | +0.17 |
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Drawdowns
PTLC vs. PTNQ - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum PTLC drawdown since its inception was -26.63%, smaller than the maximum PTNQ drawdown of -28.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PTLC and PTNQ.
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Drawdown Indicators
| PTLC | PTNQ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -26.63% | -28.07% | +1.44% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -8.77% | -11.76% | +2.99% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -15.17% | -14.19% | -0.98% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -15.17% | -18.47% | +3.30% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -26.63% | -28.07% | +1.44% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -3.15% | -4.12% | +0.97% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -5.63% | -5.68% | +0.05% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.28% | 3.55% | -1.27% |
Volatility
PTLC vs. PTNQ - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF (PTLC) is 4.91%, while Pacer Trendpilot 100 ETF (PTNQ) has a volatility of 8.74%. This indicates that PTLC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PTNQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| PTLC | PTNQ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 4.91% | 8.74% | -3.83% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 9.19% | 13.70% | -4.51% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 11.98% | 17.37% | -5.39% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 11.87% | 13.39% | -1.52% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 13.19% | 16.51% | -3.32% |
PTLC vs. PTNQ - Expense Ratio Comparison
PTLC has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than PTNQ's 0.65% expense ratio.
Dividends
PTLC vs. PTNQ - Dividend Comparison
PTLC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.03%, more than PTNQ's 0.80% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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% |
PTNQ Pacer Trendpilot 100 ETF | 0.80% | 0.88% | 1.96% | 1.47% | 0.62% | 0.00% | 0.16% | 0.44% | 0.45% | 0.32% | 0.30% | 0.22% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.94, PTLC and PTNQ 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.
PTNQ has higher volatility (8.74%) compared to PTLC (4.91%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PTLC dropped -26.63% vs PTNQ's -28.07%.
On 10-year performance, PTNQ leads with 16.40% vs 11.31% for PTLC. On fees, PTLC is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, PTLC has been the lower-risk option at 4.91%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, PTNQ has performed better with a 16.40% return vs 11.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
PTLC is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for PTNQ.
PTLC has the higher dividend yield at 1.03%, compared with 0.80% for PTNQ.
PTLC tracks Pacer Trendpilot U.S. Large Cap Index, while PTNQ tracks Pacer NASDAQ-100 Trendpilot Index. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for PTLC and 0.65% for PTNQ.
PTNQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.54 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.
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