PWS vs. MDIV

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PWS (Pacer WealthShield ETF) and MDIV (First Trust Multi-Asset Diversified Income Index Fund) are both Diversified Portfolio funds - PWS tracks the Pacer WealthShield Index while MDIV tracks the NASDAQ US Multi-Asset Diversified Income Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, PWS returned 0.31%/yr vs 5.65%/yr for MDIV. At a 0.36 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. PWS charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.73%/yr for MDIV.

Performance

PWS vs. MDIV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer WealthShield ETF (PWS) and First Trust Multi-Asset Diversified Income Index Fund (MDIV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PWS achieves a -2.18% return, which is significantly lower than MDIV's 7.68% return.

PWS

• 1D: 1.03%
• 1M: -0.99%
• YTD: -2.18%
• 6M: -3.95%
• 1Y: 7.28%
• 3Y*: 7.37%
• 5Y*: 0.31%
• 10Y*: —

MDIV

• 1D: -0.65%
• 1M: 0.10%
• YTD: 7.68%
• 6M: 7.38%
• 1Y: 11.03%
• 3Y*: 11.41%
• 5Y*: 5.65%
• 10Y*: 4.66%

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

PWS vs. MDIV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PWS Pacer WealthShield ETF	-2.18%	8.05%	14.01%	-3.58%	-12.10%	14.43%	22.16%	1.36%	-3.29%	0.96%
MDIV First Trust Multi-Asset Diversified Income Index Fund	7.68%	3.77%	10.05%	11.50%	-3.86%	16.51%	-14.84%	18.59%	-5.78%	0.26%

Correlation

The correlation between PWS and MDIV is 0.32, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.32
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.38
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.42
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 13, 2017	0.36

PWS vs. MDIV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PWS	MDIV
Healthcare	39.6%	1.6%
Technology	20.6%	-
Consumer Cyclical	19.7%	3.2%
Industrials	19.0%	1.6%
Utilities	0.8%	9.6%
Communication Services	0.2%	3.2%
Energy	0.0%	17.6%
Basic Materials	-	0.7%
Consumer Defensive	-	8.0%
Financial Services	-	22.4%
Real Estate	-	21.6%

Return for Risk

PWS vs. MDIV — Risk / Return Rank

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

PWS

PWS Risk / Return Rank: 21
PWS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
PWS Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
PWS Omega Ratio Rank: 19
PWS Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
PWS Martin Ratio Rank: 22

MDIV

MDIV Risk / Return Rank: 52
MDIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
MDIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
MDIV Omega Ratio Rank: 45
MDIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
MDIV Martin Ratio Rank: 53

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. MDIV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer WealthShield ETF (PWS) and First Trust Multi-Asset Diversified Income Index Fund (MDIV). 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.

	PWS	MDIV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.64	1.65	-1.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.96	2.44	-1.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	1.29	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.06	3.27	-2.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.64	9.10	-6.46
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PWS vs. MDIV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PWS Sharpe Ratio is 0.64, which is lower than the MDIV Sharpe Ratio of 1.65. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PWS and MDIV, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	PWS	MDIV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.64	1.65	-1.01
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.03	0.52	-0.49
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.31	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.29	0.34	-0.05

Drawdowns

PWS vs. MDIV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PWS drawdown since its inception was -24.93%, smaller than the maximum MDIV drawdown of -48.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PWS and MDIV.

Drawdown Indicators

	PWS	MDIV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.93%	-48.50%	+23.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.88%	-3.39%	-3.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.47%	-9.62%	-0.85%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.93%	-13.02%	-11.91%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-48.50%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.92%	-1.14%	-4.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.11%	-4.58%	-4.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.76%	1.22%	+1.54%

Volatility

PWS vs. MDIV - Volatility Comparison

Pacer WealthShield ETF (PWS) has a higher volatility of 2.64% compared to First Trust Multi-Asset Diversified Income Index Fund (MDIV) at 1.62%. This indicates that PWS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MDIV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PWS	MDIV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.64%	1.62%	+1.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.18%	4.32%	+2.86%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.47%	6.71%	+4.76%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.93%	10.93%	+1.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.39%	15.23%	-0.84%

PWS vs. MDIV - Expense Ratio Comparison

PWS has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than MDIV's 0.73% expense ratio.

Dividends

PWS vs. MDIV - Dividend Comparison

PWS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.49%, less than MDIV's 6.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MDIV First Trust Multi-Asset Diversified Income Index Fund	6.39%	6.51%	6.40%	6.08%	6.71%	5.30%	6.00%	5.90%	6.76%	6.04%	6.35%	7.38%
PWS Pacer WealthShield ETF	1.49%	1.59%	1.33%	2.21%	1.45%	0.94%	0.53%	1.77%	1.16%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PWS and MDIV in my portfolio?

PWS and MDIV have a correlation of 0.32, 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 MDIV?

PWS has higher volatility (2.64%) compared to MDIV (1.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PWS dropped -24.93% vs MDIV's -48.50%.

Which ETF is better, PWS or MDIV?

On 5-year performance, MDIV leads with 5.65% vs 0.31% for PWS. On fees, PWS is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, MDIV has been the lower-risk option at 1.62%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PWS or MDIV?

Over the 5-year period, MDIV has performed better with a 5.65% return vs 0.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PWS or MDIV?

PWS is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.73% for MDIV.

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

MDIV has the higher dividend yield at 6.39%, compared with 1.49% for PWS.

What is the main difference between PWS and MDIV?

PWS tracks Pacer WealthShield Index, while MDIV tracks NASDAQ US Multi-Asset Diversified Income Index. They also come from different issuers: Pacer and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for PWS and 0.73% for MDIV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MDIV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.65 vs 0.64), 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.