PTNQ vs. QQQ
PTNQ (Pacer Trendpilot 100 ETF) and QQQ (Invesco QQQ ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PTNQ is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Pacer NASDAQ-100 Trendpilot Index, while QQQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PTNQ returned 16.79%/yr vs 22.48%/yr for QQQ. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PTNQ charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for QQQ.
Performance
PTNQ vs. QQQ - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, PTNQ achieves a 13.27% return, which is significantly lower than QQQ's 20.41% return. Over the past 10 years, PTNQ has underperformed QQQ with an annualized return of 16.79%, while QQQ has yielded a comparatively higher 22.48% annualized return.
PTNQ
- 1D
- 0.00%
- 1M
- 3.08%
- YTD
- 13.27%
- 6M
- 12.30%
- 1Y
- 32.16%
- 3Y*
- 14.77%
- 5Y*
- 11.27%
- 10Y*
- 16.79%
QQQ
- 1D
- -0.25%
- 1M
- 2.96%
- YTD
- 20.41%
- 6M
- 19.46%
- 1Y
- 40.91%
- 3Y*
- 27.47%
- 5Y*
- 16.94%
- 10Y*
- 22.48%
PTNQ vs. QQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PTNQ Pacer Trendpilot 100 ETF | 13.27% | 7.18% | 15.47% | 34.65% | -16.00% | 13.16% | 29.38% | 24.00% | 8.51% | 32.70% |
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF | 20.41% | 20.77% | 25.58% | 54.86% | -32.58% | 27.42% | 48.62% | 38.96% | -0.13% | 32.66% |
Correlation
The correlation between PTNQ and QQQ 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 | 0.93 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.92 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.93 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 12, 2015 | 0.91 |
The correlation between PTNQ and QQQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.
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Return for Risk
PTNQ vs. QQQ — Risk / Return Rank
PTNQ
QQQ
PTNQ vs. QQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Trendpilot 100 ETF (PTNQ) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ). 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.
| PTNQ | QQQ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.44 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.54 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.33 | 1.41 | -0.08 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.75 | 3.44 | -0.69 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 9.10 | 12.79 | -3.69 |
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Drawdowns
PTNQ vs. QQQ - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum PTNQ drawdown since its inception was -28.07%, smaller than the maximum QQQ drawdown of -82.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PTNQ and QQQ.
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Drawdown Indicators
| PTNQ | QQQ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -28.07% | -82.97% | +54.90% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -11.76% | -11.96% | +0.20% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -14.19% | -22.77% | +8.58% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -18.47% | -35.12% | +16.65% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -28.07% | -35.12% | +7.05% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.92% | -0.99% | +0.07% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -5.68% | -32.73% | +27.05% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.54% | 3.21% | +0.33% |
Volatility
PTNQ vs. QQQ - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Pacer Trendpilot 100 ETF (PTNQ) is 8.03%, while Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) has a volatility of 8.47%. This indicates that PTNQ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QQQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| PTNQ | QQQ | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 8.03% | 8.47% | -0.44% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 13.34% | 14.20% | -0.86% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 17.08% | 17.67% | -0.59% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 13.31% | 22.64% | -9.33% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 16.53% | 22.43% | -5.90% |
PTNQ vs. QQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison
PTNQ has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than QQQ's 0.18% expense ratio.
Dividends
PTNQ vs. QQQ - Dividend Comparison
PTNQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.78%, more than QQQ's 0.49% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PTNQ Pacer Trendpilot 100 ETF | 0.78% | 0.88% | 1.96% | 1.47% | 0.62% | 0.00% | 0.16% | 0.44% | 0.45% | 0.32% | 0.30% | 0.22% |
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF | 0.49% | 0.45% | 0.56% | 0.62% | 0.80% | 0.43% | 0.55% | 0.74% | 0.91% | 0.84% | 1.06% | 0.99% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.99, PTNQ and QQQ 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.
QQQ has higher volatility (8.47%) compared to PTNQ (8.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PTNQ dropped -28.07% vs QQQ's -82.97%.
On 10-year performance, QQQ leads with 22.48% vs 16.79% for PTNQ. On fees, QQQ is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, PTNQ has been the lower-risk option at 8.03%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, QQQ has performed better with a 22.48% return vs 16.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
QQQ is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for PTNQ.
PTNQ has the higher dividend yield at 0.78%, compared with 0.49% for QQQ.
PTNQ is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while QQQ is Nasdaq-100. PTNQ tracks Pacer NASDAQ-100 Trendpilot Index, while QQQ tracks NASDAQ-100 Index. They also come from different issuers: Pacer and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for PTNQ and 0.18% for QQQ.
QQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.33 vs 1.90), 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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