PTNQ vs. QQQG

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

PTNQ (Pacer Trendpilot 100 ETF) and QQQG (Pacer Nasdaq 100 Top 50 Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PTNQ is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Pacer NASDAQ-100 Trendpilot Index, while QQQG is a Nasdaq-100 fund actively managed by Pacer. PTNQ is passively managed, while QQQG is actively managed. Over the past year, PTNQ returned 24.68% vs 43.53% for QQQG. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PTNQ charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for QQQG.

Performance

PTNQ vs. QQQG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer Trendpilot 100 ETF (PTNQ) and Pacer Nasdaq 100 Top 50 Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF (QQQG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PTNQ achieves a 9.80% return, which is significantly lower than QQQG's 34.07% return.

PTNQ

• 1D: 0.78%
• 1M: -2.03%
• YTD: 9.80%
• 6M: 8.02%
• 1Y: 24.68%
• 3Y*: 13.75%
• 5Y*: 10.52%
• 10Y*: 16.65%

QQQG

• 1D: 3.15%
• 1M: 6.00%
• YTD: 34.07%
• 6M: 31.36%
• 1Y: 43.53%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PTNQ vs. QQQG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
PTNQ Pacer Trendpilot 100 ETF	9.80%	7.18%	4.01%
QQQG Pacer Nasdaq 100 Top 50 Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF	34.07%	14.72%	1.68%

Correlation

The correlation between PTNQ and QQQG is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 20, 2024	0.84

The correlation between PTNQ and QQQG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PTNQ vs. QQQG — Risk / Return Rank

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

PTNQ

PTNQ Risk / Return Rank: 46
PTNQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
PTNQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
PTNQ Omega Ratio Rank: 44
PTNQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
PTNQ Martin Ratio Rank: 47

QQQG

QQQG Risk / Return Rank: 68
QQQG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
QQQG Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
QQQG Omega Ratio Rank: 66
QQQG Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
QQQG Martin Ratio Rank: 69

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.

PTNQ vs. QQQG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Trendpilot 100 ETF (PTNQ) and Pacer Nasdaq 100 Top 50 Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF (QQQG). 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	QQQG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.43	1.97	-0.53
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.93	2.58	-0.66
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.34	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.11	3.17	-1.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.92	11.09	-4.17

PTNQ vs. QQQG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PTNQ Sharpe Ratio is 1.43, which is comparable to the QQQG Sharpe Ratio of 1.97. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PTNQ and QQQG, 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

PTNQ vs. QQQG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PTNQ drawdown since its inception was -28.07%, which is greater than QQQG's maximum drawdown of -23.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PTNQ and QQQG.

Drawdown Indicators

	PTNQ	QQQG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.07%	-23.61%	-4.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.76%	-13.79%	+2.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.19%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.47%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-28.07%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.96%	-2.05%	-1.91%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.68%	-3.57%	-2.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.57%	3.94%	-0.37%

Volatility

PTNQ vs. QQQG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Pacer Trendpilot 100 ETF (PTNQ) is 8.54%, while Pacer Nasdaq 100 Top 50 Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF (QQQG) has a volatility of 11.56%. This indicates that PTNQ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QQQG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PTNQ	QQQG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.54%	11.56%	-3.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.68%	18.92%	-5.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.31%	22.25%	-4.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.40%	24.40%	-11.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.51%	24.40%	-7.89%

PTNQ vs. QQQG - Expense Ratio Comparison

PTNQ has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than QQQG's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

PTNQ vs. QQQG - Dividend Comparison

PTNQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.80%, more than QQQG's 0.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PTNQ Pacer Trendpilot 100 ETF	0.80%	0.88%	1.96%	1.47%	0.62%	0.00%	0.16%	0.44%	0.45%	0.32%	0.30%	0.22%
QQQG Pacer Nasdaq 100 Top 50 Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF	0.05%	0.06%	0.11%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PTNQ and QQQG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, PTNQ and QQQG 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, PTNQ or QQQG?

QQQG has higher volatility (11.56%) compared to PTNQ (8.54%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PTNQ dropped -28.07% vs QQQG's -23.61%.

Which ETF is better, PTNQ or QQQG?

On 1-year performance, QQQG leads with 43.53% vs 24.68% for PTNQ. On fees, QQQG is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, PTNQ has been the lower-risk option at 8.54%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PTNQ or QQQG?

Over the 1-year period, QQQG has performed better with a 43.53% return vs 24.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PTNQ or QQQG?

QQQG is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for PTNQ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PTNQ or QQQG?

PTNQ has the higher dividend yield at 0.80%, compared with 0.05% for QQQG.

What is the main difference between PTNQ and QQQG?

PTNQ is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while QQQG is Nasdaq-100. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for PTNQ and 0.49% for QQQG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.97 vs 1.43), 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.