SZNE vs. QUS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SZNE (Pacer CFRA-Stovall Equal Weight Seasonal Rotation ETF) and QUS (SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds - SZNE tracks the Pacer CFRA-Stovall Equal Weight Seasonal Rotation Index while QUS tracks the MSCI USA Factor Mix A-Series Capped (USD). Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SZNE returned 1.44%/yr vs 11.08%/yr for QUS. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SZNE charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for QUS.

Performance

SZNE vs. QUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer CFRA-Stovall Equal Weight Seasonal Rotation ETF (SZNE) and SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF (QUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SZNE achieves a 9.68% return, which is significantly higher than QUS's 6.67% return.

SZNE

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.07%
• YTD: 9.68%
• 6M: 10.60%
• 1Y: 12.73%
• 3Y*: 3.38%
• 5Y*: 1.44%
• 10Y*: —

QUS

• 1D: -0.43%
• 1M: 2.68%
• YTD: 6.67%
• 6M: 6.93%
• 1Y: 17.65%
• 3Y*: 17.53%
• 5Y*: 11.08%
• 10Y*: 13.67%

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

SZNE vs. QUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
SZNE Pacer CFRA-Stovall Equal Weight Seasonal Rotation ETF	9.68%	-3.44%	2.05%	6.53%	-12.33%	26.36%	4.03%	35.75%	-6.90%
QUS SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF	6.67%	14.13%	18.99%	21.78%	-14.15%	26.72%	12.40%	32.45%	-8.22%

Correlation

The correlation between SZNE and QUS is 0.74, 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	0.74
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.78
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 25, 2018	0.82

The correlation between SZNE and QUS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.

SZNE vs. QUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SZNE	QUS
Consumer Cyclical	29.7%	5.8%
Technology	25.3%	26.3%
Industrials	23.6%	8.6%
Basic Materials	20.3%	2.3%
Communication Services	0.5%	10.2%
Energy	0.3%	4.6%
Utilities	0.3%	3.6%
Consumer Defensive	-	9.2%
Financial Services	-	14.6%
Healthcare	-	13.4%
Real Estate	-	1.4%

Return for Risk

SZNE vs. QUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

SZNE

SZNE Risk / Return Rank: 31
SZNE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
SZNE Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
SZNE Omega Ratio Rank: 29
SZNE Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
SZNE Martin Ratio Rank: 34

QUS

QUS Risk / Return Rank: 57
QUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
QUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
QUS Omega Ratio Rank: 55
QUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
QUS Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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.

SZNE vs. QUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer CFRA-Stovall Equal Weight Seasonal Rotation ETF (SZNE) and SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF (QUS). 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.

	SZNE	QUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.06	1.95	-0.89
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.61	2.81	-1.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.35	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.58	2.59	-1.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.14	11.54	-6.39
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SZNE vs. QUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SZNE Sharpe Ratio is 1.06, which is lower than the QUS Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SZNE and QUS, 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

	SZNE	QUS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.06	1.95	-0.89
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.09	0.78	-0.69
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.83	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.34	0.77	-0.43

Drawdowns

SZNE vs. QUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SZNE drawdown since its inception was -39.79%, which is greater than QUS's maximum drawdown of -33.78%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SZNE and QUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	SZNE	QUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.79%	-33.78%	-6.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.92%	-6.85%	-3.07%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.92%	-13.94%	-8.98%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.92%	-22.30%	-0.62%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.78%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.15%	-0.50%	-0.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.33%	-3.70%	-3.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.04%	1.53%	+1.51%

Volatility

SZNE vs. QUS - Volatility Comparison

Pacer CFRA-Stovall Equal Weight Seasonal Rotation ETF (SZNE) has a higher volatility of 2.73% compared to SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF (QUS) at 1.78%. This indicates that SZNE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than QUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SZNE	QUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.73%	1.78%	+0.95%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.47%	6.66%	+4.81%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.80%	9.09%	+5.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.98%	14.33%	+2.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.10%	16.42%	+3.68%

SZNE vs. QUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

SZNE has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than QUS's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

SZNE vs. QUS - Dividend Comparison

SZNE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.37%, more than QUS's 1.31% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QUS SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF	1.31%	1.38%	1.49%	1.57%	1.68%	1.27%	1.73%	1.81%	2.12%	1.86%	2.07%	1.48%
SZNE Pacer CFRA-Stovall Equal Weight Seasonal Rotation ETF	1.37%	1.47%	1.20%	1.21%	1.11%	0.79%	1.37%	0.90%	0.68%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SZNE and QUS in my portfolio?

SZNE and QUS have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SZNE or QUS?

SZNE has higher volatility (2.73%) compared to QUS (1.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SZNE dropped -39.79% vs QUS's -33.78%.

Which ETF is better, SZNE or QUS?

On 5-year performance, QUS leads with 11.08% vs 1.44% for SZNE. On fees, QUS is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, QUS has been the lower-risk option at 1.78%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SZNE or QUS?

Over the 5-year period, QUS has performed better with a 11.08% return vs 1.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SZNE or QUS?

QUS is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for SZNE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SZNE or QUS?

SZNE has the higher dividend yield at 1.37%, compared with 1.31% for QUS.

What is the main difference between SZNE and QUS?

SZNE tracks Pacer CFRA-Stovall Equal Weight Seasonal Rotation Index, while QUS tracks MSCI USA Factor Mix A-Series Capped (USD). They also come from different issuers: Pacer and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for SZNE and 0.15% for QUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 vs 1.06), 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.