SAEF vs. PEXL

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

SAEF (Schwab Ariel ESG ETF) and PEXL (Pacer US Export Leaders ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. SAEF is actively managed, while PEXL is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, SAEF returned 14.01%/yr vs 22.37%/yr for PEXL. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SAEF charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for PEXL.

Performance

SAEF vs. PEXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF) and Pacer US Export Leaders ETF (PEXL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SAEF achieves a 10.43% return, which is significantly lower than PEXL's 21.98% return.

SAEF

• 1D: 0.93%
• 1M: 2.40%
• YTD: 10.43%
• 6M: 12.71%
• 1Y: 24.52%
• 3Y*: 14.01%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PEXL

• 1D: -0.92%
• 1M: 9.34%
• YTD: 21.98%
• 6M: 23.37%
• 1Y: 52.16%
• 3Y*: 22.37%
• 5Y*: 13.04%
• 10Y*: —

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

SAEF vs. PEXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
SAEF Schwab Ariel ESG ETF	10.43%	2.31%	16.14%	17.87%	-18.29%	-2.35%
PEXL Pacer US Export Leaders ETF	21.98%	27.33%	5.79%	24.40%	-20.41%	0.33%

Correlation

The correlation between SAEF and PEXL is 0.76, 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	0.76
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 17, 2021	0.86

The correlation between SAEF and PEXL shifts across timeframes, from 0.76 (1 year) to 0.86 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SAEF vs. PEXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SAEF	PEXL
Consumer Cyclical	22.6%	4.3%
Industrials	20.3%	6.4%
Financial Services	15.0%	-
Technology	14.7%	55.1%
Healthcare	10.0%	7.5%
Communication Services	7.5%	15.1%
Real Estate	4.5%	-
Consumer Defensive	3.3%	6.3%
Basic Materials	2.3%	4.2%
Energy	-	1.1%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

SAEF vs. PEXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

SAEF

SAEF Risk / Return Rank: 37
SAEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
SAEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
SAEF Omega Ratio Rank: 35
SAEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
SAEF Martin Ratio Rank: 35

PEXL

PEXL Risk / Return Rank: 86
PEXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
PEXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
PEXL Omega Ratio Rank: 82
PEXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
PEXL Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

SAEF vs. PEXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF) and Pacer US Export Leaders ETF (PEXL). 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.

	SAEF	PEXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.31	2.95	-1.63
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.95	3.88	-1.93
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.49	-0.26
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.92	4.59	-2.66
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.20	19.74	-14.54
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SAEF vs. PEXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SAEF Sharpe Ratio is 1.31, which is lower than the PEXL Sharpe Ratio of 2.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SAEF and PEXL, 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

	SAEF	PEXL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.31	2.95	-1.63
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.60	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.22	0.65	-0.43

Drawdowns

SAEF vs. PEXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SAEF drawdown since its inception was -28.05%, smaller than the maximum PEXL drawdown of -36.76%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SAEF and PEXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	SAEF	PEXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.05%	-36.76%	+8.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.81%	-11.43%	-1.38%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.40%	-24.72%	-2.68%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-30.44%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.36%	-0.92%	+0.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.38%	-6.72%	-3.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.73%	2.65%	+2.08%

Volatility

SAEF vs. PEXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF) is 4.93%, while Pacer US Export Leaders ETF (PEXL) has a volatility of 5.31%. This indicates that SAEF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PEXL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SAEF	PEXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.93%	5.31%	-0.38%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.99%	13.14%	+0.85%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.77%	17.79%	+0.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.39%	21.86%	-0.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.39%	24.04%	-2.65%

SAEF vs. PEXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

SAEF has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is lower than PEXL's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

SAEF vs. PEXL - Dividend Comparison

SAEF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.34%, less than PEXL's 0.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
PEXL Pacer US Export Leaders ETF	0.37%	0.44%	0.48%	0.48%	0.60%	0.22%	0.48%	0.49%	0.29%
SAEF Schwab Ariel ESG ETF	0.34%	0.38%	0.46%	0.46%	0.61%	0.09%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SAEF and PEXL in my portfolio?

SAEF and PEXL have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SAEF or PEXL?

PEXL has higher volatility (5.31%) compared to SAEF (4.93%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SAEF dropped -28.05% vs PEXL's -36.76%.

Which ETF is better, SAEF or PEXL?

On 3-year performance, PEXL leads with 22.37% vs 14.01% for SAEF. On fees, SAEF is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, SAEF has been the lower-risk option at 4.93%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SAEF or PEXL?

Over the 3-year period, PEXL has performed better with a 22.37% return vs 14.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SAEF or PEXL?

SAEF is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for PEXL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SAEF or PEXL?

PEXL has the higher dividend yield at 0.37%, compared with 0.34% for SAEF.

What is the main difference between SAEF and PEXL?

They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for SAEF and 0.60% for PEXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PEXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.95 vs 1.31), 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.