PTMC vs. SAEF

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

PTMC (Pacer Trendpilot US Mid Cap ETF) and SAEF (Schwab Ariel ESG ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. PTMC is passively managed, while SAEF is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, PTMC returned 10.89%/yr vs 14.37%/yr for SAEF. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PTMC charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for SAEF.

Performance

PTMC vs. SAEF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer Trendpilot US Mid Cap ETF (PTMC) and Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF). 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 SAEF's 14.85% 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%

SAEF

• 1D: 1.22%
• 1M: 5.63%
• YTD: 14.85%
• 6M: 12.93%
• 1Y: 24.96%
• 3Y*: 14.37%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PTMC vs. SAEF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
PTMC Pacer Trendpilot US Mid Cap ETF	16.10%	-1.55%	13.22%	7.29%	-13.99%	-1.17%
SAEF Schwab Ariel ESG ETF	14.85%	2.31%	16.14%	17.87%	-18.29%	-2.31%

Correlation

The correlation between PTMC and SAEF is 0.87, 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	0.87
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 16, 2021	0.70

The correlation between PTMC and SAEF shifts across timeframes, from 0.70 (all time) to 0.87 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

PTMC vs. SAEF — 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

SAEF

SAEF Risk / Return Rank: 41
SAEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
SAEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
SAEF Omega Ratio Rank: 38
SAEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
SAEF Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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. SAEF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Trendpilot US Mid Cap ETF (PTMC) and Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF). 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	SAEF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.34	1.33	+0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.00	1.98	+0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.23	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.37	1.96	+0.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.64	5.30	+3.34

PTMC vs. SAEF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PTMC Sharpe Ratio is 1.34, which is comparable to the SAEF Sharpe Ratio of 1.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PTMC and SAEF, 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. SAEF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PTMC drawdown since its inception was -20.53%, smaller than the maximum SAEF drawdown of -28.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PTMC and SAEF.

Drawdown Indicators

	PTMC	SAEF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.53%	-28.05%	+7.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.89%	-12.81%	+3.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.31%	-27.40%	+12.09%
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%	-10.25%	+3.81%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.44%	4.72%	-2.28%

Volatility

PTMC vs. SAEF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Pacer Trendpilot US Mid Cap ETF (PTMC) is 4.36%, while Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF) has a volatility of 5.01%. This indicates that PTMC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SAEF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PTMC	SAEF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.36%	5.01%	-0.65%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.78%	14.32%	-2.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.72%	18.85%	-3.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.25%	21.37%	-8.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.97%	21.37%	-8.40%

PTMC vs. SAEF - Expense Ratio Comparison

PTMC has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than SAEF's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

PTMC vs. SAEF - Dividend Comparison

PTMC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.59%, more than SAEF's 0.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
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%
SAEF Schwab Ariel ESG ETF	0.34%	0.38%	0.46%	0.46%	0.61%	0.09%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PTMC and SAEF in my portfolio?

PTMC and SAEF have a correlation of 0.87, 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 SAEF?

SAEF has higher volatility (5.01%) compared to PTMC (4.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PTMC dropped -20.53% vs SAEF's -28.05%.

Which ETF is better, PTMC or SAEF?

On 3-year performance, SAEF leads with 14.37% vs 10.89% for PTMC. On fees, SAEF is cheaper at 0.59% per year. 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 SAEF?

Over the 3-year period, SAEF has performed better with a 14.37% 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 SAEF?

SAEF is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for PTMC.

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

PTMC has the higher dividend yield at 1.59%, compared with 0.34% for SAEF.

What is the main difference between PTMC and SAEF?

They also come from different issuers: Pacer and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for PTMC and 0.59% for SAEF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PTMC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.34 vs 1.33), 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.