PWS vs. PTLC

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PWS (Pacer WealthShield ETF) and PTLC (Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PWS is a Diversified Portfolio fund tracking the Pacer WealthShield Index, while PTLC is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Pacer Trendpilot U.S. Large Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, PWS returned 0.31%/yr vs 10.72%/yr for PTLC. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.60% expense ratio.

Performance

PWS vs. PTLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer WealthShield ETF (PWS) and Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF (PTLC). 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 PTLC's 5.53% return.

PWS

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

PTLC

• 1D: -0.74%
• 1M: 4.98%
• YTD: 5.53%
• 6M: 5.49%
• 1Y: 21.41%
• 3Y*: 14.93%
• 5Y*: 10.72%
• 10Y*: 11.26%

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

PWS vs. PTLC - 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%
PTLC Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF	5.53%	5.10%	24.31%	16.78%	-8.62%	27.90%	-1.15%	17.58%	1.49%	0.48%

Correlation

The correlation between PWS and PTLC is 0.72, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.71
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 13, 2017	0.59

The correlation between PWS and PTLC shifts across timeframes, from 0.59 (all time) to 0.72 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

PWS vs. PTLC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PWS	PTLC
Healthcare	39.6%	8.5%
Technology	20.6%	35.6%
Consumer Cyclical	19.7%	10.1%
Industrials	19.0%	8.3%
Utilities	0.8%	2.3%
Communication Services	0.2%	11.2%
Energy	0.0%	3.5%
Basic Materials	-	1.8%
Consumer Defensive	-	4.9%
Financial Services	-	11.8%
Real Estate	-	1.9%

Return for Risk

PWS vs. PTLC — 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

PTLC

PTLC Risk / Return Rank: 53
PTLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
PTLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
PTLC Omega Ratio Rank: 54
PTLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
PTLC Martin Ratio Rank: 56

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. PTLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer WealthShield ETF (PWS) and Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF (PTLC). 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	PTLC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.64	1.91	-1.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.96	2.55	-1.59
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	1.34	-0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.06	2.45	-1.39
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.64	9.71	-7.07
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. PTLC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PWS Sharpe Ratio is 0.64, which is lower than the PTLC Sharpe Ratio of 1.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PWS and PTLC, 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	PTLC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.64	1.91	-1.27
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.03	0.92	-0.89
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.86	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.29	0.70	-0.41

Drawdowns

PWS vs. PTLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PWS drawdown since its inception was -24.93%, smaller than the maximum PTLC drawdown of -26.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PWS and PTLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	PWS	PTLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.93%	-26.63%	+1.70%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.88%	-8.77%	+1.89%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.47%	-15.17%	+4.70%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.93%	-15.17%	-9.76%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-26.63%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.92%	-0.74%	-5.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.11%	-5.64%	-3.47%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.76%	2.21%	+0.55%

Volatility

PWS vs. PTLC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Pacer WealthShield ETF (PWS) is 2.64%, while Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF (PTLC) has a volatility of 2.88%. This indicates that PWS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PTLC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PWS	PTLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.64%	2.88%	-0.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.18%	8.15%	-0.97%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.47%	11.27%	+0.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.93%	11.73%	+0.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.39%	13.17%	+1.22%

PWS vs. PTLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both PWS and PTLC have an expense ratio of 0.60%.

Dividends

PWS vs. PTLC - Dividend Comparison

PWS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.49%, more than PTLC's 1.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PTLC Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF	1.01%	1.06%	0.67%	1.18%	1.26%	0.73%	1.08%	1.10%	1.00%	0.97%	1.08%	0.42%
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 PTLC in my portfolio?

PWS and PTLC have a correlation of 0.72, 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 PTLC?

PTLC has higher volatility (2.88%) compared to PWS (2.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PWS dropped -24.93% vs PTLC's -26.63%.

Which ETF is better, PWS or PTLC?

On 5-year performance, PTLC leads with 10.72% vs 0.31% for PWS. Both ETFs have the same 0.60% expense ratio. On volatility, PWS has been the lower-risk option at 2.64%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PWS or PTLC?

Over the 5-year period, PTLC has performed better with a 10.72% 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 PTLC?

PWS and PTLC have the same expense ratio: 0.60% per year.

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

PWS has the higher dividend yield at 1.49%, compared with 1.01% for PTLC.

What is the main difference between PWS and PTLC?

PWS is categorized as Diversified Portfolio, while PTLC is Large Cap Blend Equities. PWS tracks Pacer WealthShield Index, while PTLC tracks Pacer Trendpilot U.S. Large Cap Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PTLC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.91 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.