PTMC vs. IQSM

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

PTMC (Pacer Trendpilot US Mid Cap ETF) and IQSM (IQ Candriam U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds - PTMC tracks the Pacer Trendpilot US Mid Cap Index while IQSM tracks the IQ Candriam ESG U.S. Mid Cap Equity Index - Benchmark TR Net. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, PTMC returned 10.89%/yr vs 13.93%/yr for IQSM. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PTMC charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for IQSM.

Performance

PTMC vs. IQSM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer Trendpilot US Mid Cap ETF (PTMC) and IQ Candriam U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF (IQSM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PTMC achieves a 16.10% return, which is significantly higher than IQSM's 13.48% return.

PTMC

• 1D: 0.71%
• 1M: 2.46%
• YTD: 16.10%
• 6M: 13.77%
• 1Y: 20.99%
• 3Y*: 10.89%
• 5Y*: 4.15%
• 10Y*: 7.02%

IQSM

• 1D: 0.93%
• 1M: 2.41%
• YTD: 13.48%
• 6M: 11.27%
• 1Y: 24.65%
• 3Y*: 13.93%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PTMC vs. IQSM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
PTMC Pacer Trendpilot US Mid Cap ETF	16.10%	-1.55%	13.22%	7.29%	-2.20%
IQSM IQ Candriam U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF	13.48%	7.97%	9.15%	15.82%	2.29%

Correlation

The correlation between PTMC and IQSM is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 25, 2022	0.87

The correlation between PTMC and IQSM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PTMC vs. IQSM — Risk / Return Rank

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

PTMC

PTMC Risk / Return Rank: 47
PTMC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
PTMC Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
PTMC Omega Ratio Rank: 41
PTMC Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
PTMC Martin Ratio Rank: 56

IQSM

IQSM Risk / Return Rank: 57
IQSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
IQSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
IQSM Omega Ratio Rank: 50
IQSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
IQSM Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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.

PTMC vs. IQSM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Trendpilot US Mid Cap ETF (PTMC) and IQ Candriam U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF (IQSM). 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.

	PTMC	IQSM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.34	1.63	-0.29
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.00	2.36	-0.36
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.28	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.37	2.79	-0.42
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.64	10.18	-1.55

PTMC vs. IQSM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PTMC Sharpe Ratio is 1.34, which is comparable to the IQSM Sharpe Ratio of 1.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PTMC and IQSM, 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

PTMC vs. IQSM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PTMC drawdown since its inception was -20.53%, smaller than the maximum IQSM drawdown of -23.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PTMC and IQSM.

Drawdown Indicators

	PTMC	IQSM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.53%	-23.66%	+3.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.89%	-8.86%	-0.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.31%	-23.66%	+8.35%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.93%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-20.53%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.44%	-4.80%	-1.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.44%	2.43%	+0.01%

Volatility

PTMC vs. IQSM - Volatility Comparison

Pacer Trendpilot US Mid Cap ETF (PTMC) and IQ Candriam U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF (IQSM) have volatilities of 4.36% and 4.28%, 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

	PTMC	IQSM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.36%	4.28%	+0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.78%	11.45%	+0.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.72%	15.23%	+0.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.25%	17.87%	-4.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.97%	17.87%	-4.90%

PTMC vs. IQSM - Expense Ratio Comparison

PTMC has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than IQSM's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

PTMC vs. IQSM - Dividend Comparison

PTMC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.59%, more than IQSM's 1.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
IQSM IQ Candriam U.S. Mid Cap Equity ETF	1.06%	1.18%	1.22%	1.11%	0.32%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
PTMC Pacer Trendpilot US Mid Cap ETF	1.59%	1.84%	0.87%	1.92%	0.82%	0.12%	0.53%	1.40%	0.89%	0.67%	0.66%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PTMC and IQSM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, PTMC and IQSM 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, PTMC or IQSM?

PTMC has higher volatility (4.36%) compared to IQSM (4.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PTMC dropped -20.53% vs IQSM's -23.66%.

Which ETF is better, PTMC or IQSM?

On 3-year performance, IQSM leads with 13.93% vs 10.89% for PTMC. On fees, IQSM is cheaper at 0.15% 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, PTMC or IQSM?

Over the 3-year period, IQSM has performed better with a 13.93% return vs 10.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PTMC or IQSM?

IQSM is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for PTMC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PTMC or IQSM?

PTMC has the higher dividend yield at 1.59%, compared with 1.06% for IQSM.

What is the main difference between PTMC and IQSM?

PTMC tracks Pacer Trendpilot US Mid Cap Index, while IQSM tracks IQ Candriam ESG U.S. Mid Cap Equity Index - Benchmark TR Net. They also come from different issuers: Pacer and IndexIQ. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for PTMC and 0.15% for IQSM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IQSM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.63 vs 1.34), 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.