QSIX vs. TCAL

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

QSIX (Pacer Metarus Nasdaq 100 Dividend Multiplier 600 ETF) and TCAL (T. Rowe Price Capital Appreciation Premium Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QSIX is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the Nasdaq-100 Index, while TCAL is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by T. Rowe Price. QSIX is passively managed, while TCAL is actively managed. Over the past year, QSIX returned 32.02% vs 0.07% for TCAL. At a 0.17 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. QSIX charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.34%/yr for TCAL.

Performance

QSIX vs. TCAL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer Metarus Nasdaq 100 Dividend Multiplier 600 ETF (QSIX) and T. Rowe Price Capital Appreciation Premium Income ETF (TCAL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QSIX achieves a 15.33% return, which is significantly higher than TCAL's -1.64% return.

QSIX

• 1D: -2.89%
• 1M: -0.31%
• YTD: 15.33%
• 6M: 13.92%
• 1Y: 32.02%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

TCAL

• 1D: 1.05%
• 1M: -0.70%
• YTD: -1.64%
• 6M: -2.59%
• 1Y: 0.07%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QSIX vs. TCAL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
QSIX Pacer Metarus Nasdaq 100 Dividend Multiplier 600 ETF	15.33%	24.14%
TCAL T. Rowe Price Capital Appreciation Premium Income ETF	-1.64%	1.89%

Correlation

The correlation between QSIX and TCAL is 0.09, 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	0.09
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 27, 2025	0.17

Return for Risk

QSIX vs. TCAL — Risk / Return Rank

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

QSIX

QSIX Risk / Return Rank: 64
QSIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
QSIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
QSIX Omega Ratio Rank: 62
QSIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
QSIX Martin Ratio Rank: 66

TCAL

TCAL Risk / Return Rank: 8
TCAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
TCAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
TCAL Omega Ratio Rank: 8
TCAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
TCAL Martin Ratio Rank: 9

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.

QSIX vs. TCAL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Metarus Nasdaq 100 Dividend Multiplier 600 ETF (QSIX) and T. Rowe Price Capital Appreciation Premium Income ETF (TCAL). 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.

	QSIX	TCAL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.96	0.01	+1.96
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.60	0.08	+2.52
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.01	+0.34
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.91	0.01	+2.90
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.01	0.03	+10.99

QSIX vs. TCAL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QSIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.96, which is higher than the TCAL Sharpe Ratio of 0.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QSIX and TCAL, 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

QSIX vs. TCAL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QSIX drawdown since its inception was -20.72%, which is greater than TCAL's maximum drawdown of -7.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QSIX and TCAL.

Drawdown Indicators

	QSIX	TCAL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.72%	-7.24%	-13.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.05%	-7.00%	-4.05%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.91%	-4.72%	+0.81%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.05%	-2.12%	-0.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.92%	2.86%	+0.06%

Volatility

QSIX vs. TCAL - Volatility Comparison

Pacer Metarus Nasdaq 100 Dividend Multiplier 600 ETF (QSIX) has a higher volatility of 8.16% compared to T. Rowe Price Capital Appreciation Premium Income ETF (TCAL) at 3.09%. This indicates that QSIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than TCAL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QSIX	TCAL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.16%	3.09%	+5.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.28%	7.10%	+6.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.41%	9.54%	+6.87%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.76%	11.26%	+8.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.76%	11.26%	+8.50%

QSIX vs. TCAL - Expense Ratio Comparison

QSIX has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than TCAL's 0.34% expense ratio.

Dividends

QSIX vs. TCAL - Dividend Comparison

QSIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.96%, less than TCAL's 11.81% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
QSIX Pacer Metarus Nasdaq 100 Dividend Multiplier 600 ETF	3.96%	4.02%	1.07%
TCAL T. Rowe Price Capital Appreciation Premium Income ETF	11.81%	8.34%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QSIX and TCAL in my portfolio?

QSIX and TCAL have a correlation of 0.09, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QSIX or TCAL?

QSIX has higher volatility (8.16%) compared to TCAL (3.09%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QSIX dropped -20.72% vs TCAL's -7.24%.

Which ETF is better, QSIX or TCAL?

On 1-year performance, QSIX leads with 32.02% vs 0.07% for TCAL. On fees, TCAL is cheaper at 0.34% per year. On volatility, TCAL has been the lower-risk option at 3.09%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QSIX or TCAL?

Over the 1-year period, QSIX has performed better with a 32.02% return vs 0.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QSIX or TCAL?

TCAL is cheaper with a 0.34% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for QSIX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, QSIX or TCAL?

TCAL has the higher dividend yield at 11.81%, compared with 3.96% for QSIX.

What is the main difference between QSIX and TCAL?

QSIX is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while TCAL is Derivative Income. They also come from different issuers: Pacer and T. Rowe Price. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for QSIX and 0.34% for TCAL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QSIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.96 vs 0.01), 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.