PTLC vs. VTI

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PTLC (Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF) and VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds - PTLC tracks the Pacer Trendpilot U.S. Large Cap Index while VTI tracks the CRSP US Total Market Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PTLC returned 11.26%/yr vs 15.05%/yr for VTI. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PTLC charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VTI.

Performance

PTLC vs. VTI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF (PTLC) 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, PTLC achieves a 5.53% return, which is significantly lower than VTI's 11.20% return. Over the past 10 years, PTLC has underperformed VTI with an annualized return of 11.26%, while VTI has yielded a comparatively higher 15.05% annualized return.

PTLC

• 1D: -0.74%
• 1M: 4.98%
• YTD: 5.53%
• 6M: 5.49%
• 1Y: 21.41%
• 3Y*: 14.93%
• 5Y*: 10.72%
• 10Y*: 11.26%

VTI

• 1D: -0.72%
• 1M: 4.99%
• YTD: 11.20%
• 6M: 11.09%
• 1Y: 28.18%
• 3Y*: 22.07%
• 5Y*: 12.69%
• 10Y*: 15.05%

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

PTLC vs. VTI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PTLC Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF	5.53%	5.10%	24.31%	16.78%	-8.62%	27.90%	-1.15%	17.58%	1.49%	21.41%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	11.20%	17.10%	23.81%	26.05%	-19.52%	25.68%	21.08%	30.67%	-5.23%	21.21%

Correlation

The correlation between PTLC and VTI is 0.99 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 15, 2015	0.84

The correlation between PTLC and VTI shifts across timeframes, from 0.83 (5 years) to 0.99 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

PTLC vs. VTI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PTLC	VTI
Technology	35.6%	33.5%
Financial Services	11.8%	12.0%
Communication Services	11.2%	10.3%
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	10.0%
Healthcare	8.5%	9.2%
Industrials	8.3%	9.8%
Consumer Defensive	4.9%	4.7%
Energy	3.5%	3.7%
Utilities	2.3%	2.3%
Real Estate	1.9%	2.4%
Basic Materials	1.8%	2.0%

Return for Risk

PTLC vs. VTI — Risk / Return Rank

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

PTLC

PTLC Risk / Return Rank: 53
PTLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
PTLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
PTLC Omega Ratio Rank: 54
PTLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
PTLC Martin Ratio Rank: 56

VTI

VTI Risk / Return Rank: 68
VTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
VTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
VTI Omega Ratio Rank: 67
VTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
VTI 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.

PTLC vs. VTI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF (PTLC) 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.

	PTLC	VTI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.91	2.33	-0.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.55	3.18	-0.63
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.42	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.45	3.17	-0.72
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.71	14.62	-4.92
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PTLC vs. VTI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PTLC Sharpe Ratio is 1.91, which is comparable to the VTI Sharpe Ratio of 2.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PTLC 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	PTLC	VTI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.91	2.33	-0.42
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92	0.73	+0.19
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.86	0.82	+0.03
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.70	0.51	+0.19

Drawdowns

PTLC vs. VTI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PTLC drawdown since its inception was -26.63%, smaller than the maximum VTI drawdown of -55.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PTLC and VTI.

Drawdown Indicators

	PTLC	VTI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-26.63%	-55.45%	+28.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.77%	-8.92%	+0.15%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.17%	-19.30%	+4.13%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.17%	-25.36%	+10.19%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-26.63%	-35.00%	+8.37%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.74%	-0.72%	-0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.64%	-8.03%	+2.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.21%	1.93%	+0.28%

Volatility

PTLC vs. VTI - Volatility Comparison

Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF (PTLC) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) have volatilities of 2.88% and 2.96%, 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

	PTLC	VTI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.88%	2.96%	-0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.15%	9.13%	-0.98%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.27%	12.17%	-0.90%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.73%	17.40%	-5.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.17%	18.30%	-5.13%

PTLC vs. VTI - Expense Ratio Comparison

PTLC has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than VTI's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

PTLC vs. VTI - Dividend Comparison

PTLC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.01%, which matches VTI's 1.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PTLC Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF	1.01%	1.06%	0.67%	1.18%	1.26%	0.73%	1.08%	1.10%	1.00%	0.97%	1.08%	0.42%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	1.01%	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 PTLC and VTI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, PTLC 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, PTLC or VTI?

VTI has higher volatility (2.96%) compared to PTLC (2.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PTLC dropped -26.63% vs VTI's -55.45%.

Which ETF is better, PTLC or VTI?

On 10-year performance, VTI leads with 15.05% vs 11.26% for PTLC. On fees, VTI is cheaper at 0.03% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PTLC or VTI?

Over the 10-year period, VTI has performed better with a 15.05% return vs 11.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PTLC or VTI?

VTI is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for PTLC.

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

PTLC and VTI have nearly identical dividend yields, around 1.01%.

What is the main difference between PTLC and VTI?

PTLC tracks Pacer Trendpilot U.S. Large Cap Index, while VTI tracks CRSP US Total Market Index. They also come from different issuers: Pacer and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for PTLC and 0.03% for VTI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.33 vs 1.91), 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.