QQWZ vs. XAR

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

QQWZ (Pacer Cash COWZ 100-Nasdaq 100 Rotator ETF) and XAR (SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QQWZ is a Nasdaq-100 fund actively managed by Pacer, while XAR is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index. QQWZ is actively managed, while XAR is passively managed. Over the past year, QQWZ returned 33.73% vs 42.07% for XAR. A 0.50 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QQWZ charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XAR.

Performance

QQWZ vs. XAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer Cash COWZ 100-Nasdaq 100 Rotator ETF (QQWZ) and SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QQWZ achieves a 15.29% return, which is significantly lower than XAR's 16.10% return.

QQWZ

• 1D: 0.70%
• 1M: 1.78%
• YTD: 15.29%
• 6M: 14.62%
• 1Y: 33.73%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XAR

• 1D: -1.55%
• 1M: 7.38%
• YTD: 16.10%
• 6M: 18.39%
• 1Y: 42.07%
• 3Y*: 33.32%
• 5Y*: 16.58%
• 10Y*: 18.45%

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

QQWZ vs. XAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
QQWZ Pacer Cash COWZ 100-Nasdaq 100 Rotator ETF	15.29%	26.23%
XAR SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF	16.10%	37.93%

Correlation

The correlation between QQWZ and XAR is 0.50, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.50
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 7, 2025	0.50

The correlation between QQWZ and XAR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.50 to 0.50 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

QQWZ vs. XAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

QQWZ

QQWZ Risk / Return Rank: 78
QQWZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
QQWZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
QQWZ Omega Ratio Rank: 75
QQWZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
QQWZ Martin Ratio Rank: 81

XAR

XAR Risk / Return Rank: 49
XAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
XAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
XAR Omega Ratio Rank: 44
XAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
XAR Martin Ratio Rank: 48

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.

QQWZ vs. XAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Cash COWZ 100-Nasdaq 100 Rotator ETF (QQWZ) and SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR). 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.

	QQWZ	XAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.13	1.50	+0.63
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.79	2.20	+0.60
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.25	+0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.09	2.43	+1.66
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.21	6.81	+7.40

QQWZ vs. XAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QQWZ Sharpe Ratio is 2.13, which is higher than the XAR Sharpe Ratio of 1.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QQWZ and XAR, 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

QQWZ vs. XAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QQWZ drawdown since its inception was -7.81%, smaller than the maximum XAR drawdown of -46.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QQWZ and XAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	QQWZ	XAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.81%	-46.37%	+38.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.81%	-17.22%	+9.41%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.73%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-32.40%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-46.37%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.29%	-4.32%	+1.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.43%	-6.78%	+5.35%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.24%	6.13%	-3.89%

Volatility

QQWZ vs. XAR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Pacer Cash COWZ 100-Nasdaq 100 Rotator ETF (QQWZ) is 7.06%, while SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR) has a volatility of 11.46%. This indicates that QQWZ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XAR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QQWZ	XAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.06%	11.46%	-4.40%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.75%	23.56%	-12.81%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.96%	27.85%	-12.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.18%	23.66%	-8.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.18%	24.74%	-9.56%

QQWZ vs. XAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

QQWZ has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than XAR's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

QQWZ vs. XAR - Dividend Comparison

QQWZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.56%, more than XAR's 0.31% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QQWZ Pacer Cash COWZ 100-Nasdaq 100 Rotator ETF	0.56%	0.11%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XAR SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF	0.31%	0.40%	0.66%	0.54%	0.50%	0.83%	0.63%	0.75%	1.19%	0.76%	1.09%	2.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QQWZ and XAR in my portfolio?

QQWZ and XAR have a correlation of 0.50, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QQWZ or XAR?

XAR has higher volatility (11.46%) compared to QQWZ (7.06%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QQWZ dropped -7.81% vs XAR's -46.37%.

Which ETF is better, QQWZ or XAR?

On 1-year performance, XAR leads with 42.07% vs 33.73% for QQWZ. On fees, XAR is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, QQWZ has been the lower-risk option at 7.06%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QQWZ or XAR?

Over the 1-year period, XAR has performed better with a 42.07% return vs 33.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QQWZ or XAR?

XAR is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for QQWZ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, QQWZ or XAR?

QQWZ has the higher dividend yield at 0.56%, compared with 0.31% for XAR.

What is the main difference between QQWZ and XAR?

QQWZ is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while XAR is Aerospace & Defense. They also come from different issuers: Pacer and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for QQWZ and 0.35% for XAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQWZ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.13 vs 1.50), 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.