PWS vs. SPLS

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PWS (Pacer WealthShield ETF) and SPLS (PIMCO U.S. Stocks PLUS Active Bond ETF) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. PWS is passively managed, while SPLS is actively managed. At a 0.49 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. PWS charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for SPLS.

Performance

PWS vs. SPLS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer WealthShield ETF (PWS) and PIMCO U.S. Stocks PLUS Active Bond ETF (SPLS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

PWS

• 1D: 0.69%
• 1M: 1.15%
• YTD: 0.05%
• 6M: -0.47%
• 1Y: 9.80%
• 3Y*: 7.89%
• 5Y*: 1.35%
• 10Y*: —

SPLS

• 1D: -1.47%
• 1M: -1.28%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PWS vs. SPLS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
PWS Pacer WealthShield ETF	-2.81%
SPLS PIMCO U.S. Stocks PLUS Active Bond ETF	6.75%

Correlation

The correlation between PWS and SPLS is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 16, 2026	0.49

Return for Risk

PWS vs. SPLS — Risk / Return Rank

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

PWS

PWS Risk / Return Rank: 26
PWS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
PWS Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
PWS Omega Ratio Rank: 24
PWS Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
PWS Martin Ratio Rank: 26

SPLS

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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. SPLS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer WealthShield ETF (PWS) and PIMCO U.S. Stocks PLUS Active Bond ETF (SPLS). 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	SPLS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.85	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.26	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.43	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.30	—	—

Drawdowns

PWS vs. SPLS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PWS drawdown since its inception was -24.93%, which is greater than SPLS's maximum drawdown of -9.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PWS and SPLS.

Drawdown Indicators

	PWS	SPLS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.93%	-9.24%	-15.69%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.88%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.47%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.93%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.77%	-3.05%	-0.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.08%	-1.87%	-7.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.98%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PWS	SPLS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.14%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.51%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.56%	15.61%	-4.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.88%	15.61%	-3.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.37%	15.61%	-1.24%

PWS vs. SPLS - Expense Ratio Comparison

PWS has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than SPLS's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

PWS vs. SPLS - Dividend Comparison

PWS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.31%, more than SPLS's 0.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
PWS Pacer WealthShield ETF	1.31%	1.59%	1.33%	2.21%	1.45%	0.94%	0.53%	1.77%	1.16%
SPLS PIMCO U.S. Stocks PLUS Active Bond ETF	0.22%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PWS and SPLS in my portfolio?

PWS and SPLS have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, PWS or SPLS?

On fees, SPLS is cheaper at 0.18% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, PWS or SPLS?

SPLS is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for PWS.

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

PWS has the higher dividend yield at 1.31%, compared with 0.22% for SPLS.

What is the main difference between PWS and SPLS?

They also come from different issuers: Pacer and PIMCO. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for PWS and 0.18% for SPLS.