PWS vs. CLIP

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

PWS (Pacer WealthShield ETF) and CLIP (Global X 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PWS is a Diversified Portfolio fund tracking the Pacer WealthShield Index, while CLIP is a Ultrashort Bond fund tracking the Solactive 1-3 month US T-Bill Index - USD. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, PWS returned 7.99%/yr vs 4.64%/yr for CLIP. At a correlation of -0.05, they often move in opposite directions. PWS charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for CLIP.

Performance

PWS vs. CLIP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer WealthShield ETF (PWS) and Global X 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF (CLIP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PWS achieves a 0.35% return, which is significantly lower than CLIP's 1.72% return.

PWS

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: 1.45%
• YTD: 0.35%
• 6M: -0.77%
• 1Y: 9.28%
• 3Y*: 7.99%
• 5Y*: 1.33%
• 10Y*: —

CLIP

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: 0.30%
• YTD: 1.72%
• 6M: 1.78%
• 1Y: 3.95%
• 3Y*: 4.64%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PWS vs. CLIP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
PWS Pacer WealthShield ETF	0.35%	8.05%	14.01%	0.78%
CLIP Global X 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF	1.72%	4.23%	5.26%	2.82%

Correlation

The correlation between PWS and CLIP is -0.08, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.08
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.05
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 21, 2023	-0.05

Return for Risk

PWS vs. CLIP — Risk / Return Rank

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

PWS

PWS Risk / Return Rank: 25
PWS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
PWS Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
PWS Omega Ratio Rank: 24
PWS Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
PWS Martin Ratio Rank: 26

CLIP

CLIP Risk / Return Rank: 100
CLIP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 100
CLIP Sortino Ratio Rank: 100
CLIP Omega Ratio Rank: 100
CLIP Calmar Ratio Rank: 100
CLIP Martin Ratio Rank: 100

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.

PWS vs. CLIP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer WealthShield ETF (PWS) and Global X 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF (CLIP). 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.

	PWS	CLIP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.81	17.84	-17.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.20	80.86	-79.66
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	26.35	-25.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.35	141.67	-140.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.11	1,281.30	-1,278.19

PWS vs. CLIP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PWS Sharpe Ratio is 0.81, which is lower than the CLIP Sharpe Ratio of 17.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PWS and CLIP, 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

PWS vs. CLIP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PWS drawdown since its inception was -24.93%, which is greater than CLIP's maximum drawdown of -0.08%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PWS and CLIP.

Drawdown Indicators

	PWS	CLIP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.93%	-0.08%	-24.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.88%	-0.03%	-6.85%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.47%	-0.08%	-10.39%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.93%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.48%	0.00%	-3.48%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.08%	-0.00%	-9.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.99%	0.00%	+2.99%

Volatility

PWS vs. CLIP - Volatility Comparison

Pacer WealthShield ETF (PWS) has a higher volatility of 3.15% compared to Global X 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF (CLIP) at 0.06%. This indicates that PWS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than CLIP based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PWS	CLIP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.15%	0.06%	+3.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.51%	0.15%	+7.36%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.52%	0.22%	+11.30%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.87%	0.44%	+11.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.37%	0.44%	+13.93%

PWS vs. CLIP - Expense Ratio Comparison

PWS has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than CLIP's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

PWS vs. CLIP - Dividend Comparison

PWS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.31%, less than CLIP's 3.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
CLIP Global X 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF	3.90%	4.14%	5.11%	2.75%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
PWS Pacer WealthShield ETF	1.31%	1.59%	1.33%	2.21%	1.45%	0.94%	0.53%	1.77%	1.16%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PWS and CLIP in my portfolio?

PWS and CLIP have a correlation of -0.08, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PWS or CLIP?

PWS has higher volatility (3.15%) compared to CLIP (0.06%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PWS dropped -24.93% vs CLIP's -0.08%.

Which ETF is better, PWS or CLIP?

On 3-year performance, PWS leads with 7.99% vs 4.64% for CLIP. On fees, CLIP is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, CLIP has been the lower-risk option at 0.06%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PWS or CLIP?

Over the 3-year period, PWS has performed better with a 7.99% return vs 4.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PWS or CLIP?

CLIP is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for PWS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PWS or CLIP?

CLIP has the higher dividend yield at 3.90%, compared with 1.31% for PWS.

What is the main difference between PWS and CLIP?

PWS is categorized as Diversified Portfolio, while CLIP is Ultrashort Bond. PWS tracks Pacer WealthShield Index, while CLIP tracks Solactive 1-3 month US T-Bill Index - USD. They also come from different issuers: Pacer and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for PWS and 0.07% for CLIP.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CLIP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (17.84 vs 0.81), 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.