PTMC vs. PEXL

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

PTMC (Pacer Trendpilot US Mid Cap ETF) and PEXL (Pacer US Export Leaders ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds from Pacer - PTMC tracks the Pacer Trendpilot US Mid Cap Index while PEXL tracks the Pacer US Export Leaders Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, PTMC returned 4.15%/yr vs 12.68%/yr for PEXL. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.60% expense ratio.

Performance

PTMC vs. PEXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer Trendpilot US Mid Cap ETF (PTMC) and Pacer US Export Leaders ETF (PEXL). 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 lower than PEXL's 21.13% 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%

PEXL

• 1D: 1.51%
• 1M: 1.40%
• YTD: 21.13%
• 6M: 19.71%
• 1Y: 45.40%
• 3Y*: 20.97%
• 5Y*: 12.68%
• 10Y*: —

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

PTMC vs. PEXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
PTMC Pacer Trendpilot US Mid Cap ETF	16.10%	-1.55%	13.22%	7.29%	-13.99%	12.42%	6.58%	1.04%	-5.48%
PEXL Pacer US Export Leaders ETF	21.13%	27.33%	5.79%	24.40%	-20.41%	30.12%	25.02%	39.86%	-17.19%

Correlation

The correlation between PTMC and PEXL is 0.81, 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	0.81
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.77
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 24, 2018	0.65

The correlation between PTMC and PEXL shifts across timeframes, from 0.65 (all time) to 0.81 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

PTMC vs. PEXL — 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

PEXL

PEXL Risk / Return Rank: 83
PEXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
PEXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
PEXL Omega Ratio Rank: 77
PEXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
PEXL Martin Ratio Rank: 88

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. PEXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Trendpilot US Mid Cap ETF (PTMC) and Pacer US Export Leaders ETF (PEXL). 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	PEXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.34	2.37	-1.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.00	3.13	-1.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.40	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.37	3.99	-1.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.64	16.43	-7.80

PTMC vs. PEXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PTMC Sharpe Ratio is 1.34, which is lower than the PEXL Sharpe Ratio of 2.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PTMC and PEXL, 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. PEXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PTMC drawdown since its inception was -20.53%, smaller than the maximum PEXL drawdown of -36.76%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PTMC and PEXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	PTMC	PEXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.53%	-36.76%	+16.23%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.89%	-11.43%	+2.54%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.31%	-24.72%	+9.41%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.93%	-30.44%	+13.51%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-20.53%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-2.16%	+2.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.44%	-6.69%	+0.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.44%	2.77%	-0.33%

Volatility

PTMC vs. PEXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Pacer Trendpilot US Mid Cap ETF (PTMC) is 4.36%, while Pacer US Export Leaders ETF (PEXL) has a volatility of 8.50%. This indicates that PTMC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PEXL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PTMC	PEXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.36%	8.50%	-4.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.78%	14.94%	-3.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.72%	19.24%	-3.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.25%	22.12%	-8.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.97%	24.12%	-11.15%

PTMC vs. PEXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both PTMC and PEXL have an expense ratio of 0.60%.

Dividends

PTMC vs. PEXL - Dividend Comparison

PTMC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.59%, more than PEXL's 0.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
PEXL Pacer US Export Leaders ETF	0.30%	0.44%	0.48%	0.48%	0.60%	0.22%	0.48%	0.49%	0.29%	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 PEXL in my portfolio?

PTMC and PEXL have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PTMC or PEXL?

PEXL has higher volatility (8.50%) compared to PTMC (4.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PTMC dropped -20.53% vs PEXL's -36.76%.

Which ETF is better, PTMC or PEXL?

On 5-year performance, PEXL leads with 12.68% vs 4.15% for PTMC. Both ETFs have the same 0.60% expense ratio. On volatility, PTMC has been the lower-risk option at 4.36%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PTMC or PEXL?

Over the 5-year period, PEXL has performed better with a 12.68% return vs 4.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PTMC or PEXL?

PTMC and PEXL have the same expense ratio: 0.60% per year.

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

PTMC has the higher dividend yield at 1.59%, compared with 0.30% for PEXL.

What is the main difference between PTMC and PEXL?

PTMC tracks Pacer Trendpilot US Mid Cap Index, while PEXL tracks Pacer US Export Leaders Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PEXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.37 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.