TRFK vs. ION

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

TRFK (Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF) and ION (Proshares S&P Global Core Battery Metals ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - TRFK is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Pacer Data Transmission and Communication Revolution Index - Benchmark TR Net, while ION is a Lithium & Battery Metals fund tracking the S&P Global Core Battery Metals Index - Benchmark TR Net. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, TRFK returned 41.91%/yr vs 7.83%/yr for ION. At a 0.38 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. TRFK charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for ION.

Performance

TRFK vs. ION - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF (TRFK) and Proshares S&P Global Core Battery Metals ETF (ION). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TRFK achieves a 41.76% return, which is significantly higher than ION's -12.05% return.

TRFK

• 1D: 0.61%
• 1M: -16.90%
• 6M: 38.73%
• YTD: 41.76%
• 1Y: 48.18%
• 3Y*: 41.91%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 37.49%

ION

• 1D: -2.66%
• 1M: -19.28%
• 6M: -23.00%
• YTD: -12.05%
• 1Y: 45.93%
• 3Y*: 7.83%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 3.98%

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

TRFK vs. ION - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
TRFK Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF	41.76%	26.81%	38.30%	66.63%	-6.03%
ION Proshares S&P Global Core Battery Metals ETF	-12.05%	108.37%	-20.02%	-14.10%	-8.45%

Correlation

The correlation between TRFK and ION is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.35
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 1, 2022	0.38

TRFK vs. ION - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	TRFK	ION
Technology	87.4%	-
Industrials	12.0%	1.8%
Basic Materials	0.9%	14.1%
Communication Services	0.6%	-
Real Estate	0.0%	2.4%
Consumer Cyclical	-	3.6%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	2.7%
Financial Services	-	14.4%
Healthcare	-	2.2%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

TRFK vs. ION — Risk / Return Rank

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

TRFK

TRFK Risk / Return Rank: 53
TRFK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
TRFK Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
TRFK Omega Ratio Rank: 50
TRFK Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
TRFK Martin Ratio Rank: 44

ION

ION Risk / Return Rank: 39
ION Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
ION Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
ION Omega Ratio Rank: 40
ION Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
ION Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

TRFK vs. ION - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF (TRFK) and Proshares S&P Global Core Battery Metals ETF (ION). 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.

	TRFK	ION	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.39	1.15	+0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.87	1.65	+0.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.20	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.48	1.37	+1.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.41	4.26	+1.15

TRFK vs. ION - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TRFK Sharpe Ratio is 1.39, which is comparable to the ION Sharpe Ratio of 1.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TRFK and ION, 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

TRFK vs. ION - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TRFK drawdown since its inception was -29.06%, smaller than the maximum ION drawdown of -52.08%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TRFK and ION.

Drawdown Indicators

	TRFK	ION	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-29.06%	-52.08%	+23.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.56%	-33.66%	+14.10%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.06%	-45.11%	+16.05%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-18.31%	-33.66%	+15.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.13%	-23.68%	+17.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.93%	10.81%	-1.88%

Volatility

TRFK vs. ION - Volatility Comparison

Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF (TRFK) has a higher volatility of 17.12% compared to Proshares S&P Global Core Battery Metals ETF (ION) at 9.58%. This indicates that TRFK's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ION based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TRFK	ION	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	17.12%	9.58%	+7.54%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	30.06%	31.29%	-1.23%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	34.92%	40.13%	-5.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	30.45%	31.64%	-1.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	30.45%	31.64%	-1.19%

TRFK vs. ION - Expense Ratio Comparison

TRFK has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than ION's 0.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

TRFK vs. ION - Dividend Comparison

TRFK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.01%, less than ION's 1.69% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
ION Proshares S&P Global Core Battery Metals ETF	1.69%	1.63%	1.74%	2.23%	0.13%
TRFK Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF	0.01%	0.01%	0.40%	0.20%	0.56%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TRFK and ION in my portfolio?

TRFK and ION have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TRFK or ION?

TRFK has higher volatility (17.12%) compared to ION (9.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TRFK dropped -29.06% vs ION's -52.08%.

Which ETF is better, TRFK or ION?

On 3-year performance, TRFK leads with 41.91% vs 7.83% for ION. On fees, ION is cheaper at 0.58% per year. On volatility, ION has been the lower-risk option at 9.58%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TRFK or ION?

Over the 3-year period, TRFK has performed better with a 41.91% return vs 7.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TRFK or ION?

ION is cheaper with a 0.58% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for TRFK.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, TRFK or ION?

ION has the higher dividend yield at 1.69%, compared with 0.01% for TRFK.

What is the main difference between TRFK and ION?

TRFK is categorized as Technology Equities, while ION is Lithium & Battery Metals. TRFK tracks Pacer Data Transmission and Communication Revolution Index - Benchmark TR Net, while ION tracks S&P Global Core Battery Metals Index - Benchmark TR Net. They also come from different issuers: Pacer and ProShares. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for TRFK and 0.58% for ION.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TRFK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.39 vs 1.15), 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.