TRFK vs. VGT

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

TRFK (Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF) and VGT (Vanguard Information Technology ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - TRFK tracks the Pacer Data Transmission and Communication Revolution Index - Benchmark TR Net while VGT tracks the MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, TRFK returned 50.39%/yr vs 29.77%/yr for VGT. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. TRFK charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VGT.

Performance

TRFK vs. VGT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF (TRFK) and Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TRFK achieves a 59.85% return, which is significantly higher than VGT's 22.32% return.

TRFK

• 1D: -0.97%
• 1M: 8.33%
• YTD: 59.85%
• 6M: 57.97%
• 1Y: 78.85%
• 3Y*: 50.39%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VGT

• 1D: -0.81%
• 1M: -0.54%
• YTD: 22.32%
• 6M: 20.31%
• 1Y: 43.06%
• 3Y*: 29.77%
• 5Y*: 19.33%
• 10Y*: 25.39%

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

TRFK vs. VGT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
TRFK Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF	59.85%	26.81%	38.30%	66.63%	-10.61%
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	22.32%	21.77%	29.30%	52.66%	-10.99%

Correlation

The correlation between TRFK and VGT is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 9, 2022	0.93

The correlation between TRFK and VGT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

TRFK vs. VGT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	TRFK	VGT
Technology	87.5%	98.5%
Industrials	12.0%	0.4%
Communication Services	0.6%	0.5%
Real Estate	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	0.0%
Consumer Cyclical	-	0.1%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	0.3%
Financial Services	-	0.5%
Healthcare	-	0.0%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

TRFK vs. VGT — Risk / Return Rank

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

TRFK

TRFK Risk / Return Rank: 76
TRFK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
TRFK Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
TRFK Omega Ratio Rank: 75
TRFK Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
TRFK Martin Ratio Rank: 60

VGT

VGT Risk / Return Rank: 58
VGT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
VGT Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
VGT Omega Ratio Rank: 58
VGT Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
VGT Martin Ratio Rank: 51

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. VGT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF (TRFK) and Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT). 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	VGT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.48	1.91	+0.57
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.96	2.44	+0.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.32	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.05	2.64	+1.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.50	8.02	+1.48

TRFK vs. VGT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TRFK Sharpe Ratio is 2.48, which is higher than the VGT Sharpe Ratio of 1.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TRFK and VGT, 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. VGT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TRFK drawdown since its inception was -29.06%, smaller than the maximum VGT drawdown of -54.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TRFK and VGT.

Drawdown Indicators

	TRFK	VGT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-29.06%	-54.63%	+25.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.56%	-16.40%	-3.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.06%	-27.23%	-1.83%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.07%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.07%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.89%	-8.46%	+0.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.04%	-7.95%	+1.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.33%	5.39%	+2.94%

Volatility

TRFK vs. VGT - Volatility Comparison

Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF (TRFK) has a higher volatility of 18.39% compared to Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) at 11.37%. This indicates that TRFK's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VGT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TRFK	VGT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	18.39%	11.37%	+7.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	26.41%	18.52%	+7.89%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	32.02%	22.73%	+9.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.83%	25.55%	+4.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.83%	24.76%	+5.07%

TRFK vs. VGT - Expense Ratio Comparison

TRFK has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than VGT's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

TRFK vs. VGT - Dividend Comparison

TRFK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.01%, less than VGT's 0.33% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
TRFK Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF	0.01%	0.01%	0.40%	0.20%	0.56%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	0.33%	0.40%	0.60%	0.65%	0.91%	0.64%	0.82%	1.11%	1.29%	0.99%	1.31%	1.28%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TRFK and VGT in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, TRFK and VGT move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, TRFK or VGT?

TRFK has higher volatility (18.39%) compared to VGT (11.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TRFK dropped -29.06% vs VGT's -54.63%.

Which ETF is better, TRFK or VGT?

On 3-year performance, TRFK leads with 50.39% vs 29.77% for VGT. On fees, VGT is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, VGT has been the lower-risk option at 11.37%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TRFK or VGT?

Over the 3-year period, TRFK has performed better with a 50.39% return vs 29.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TRFK or VGT?

VGT is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for TRFK.

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

VGT has the higher dividend yield at 0.33%, compared with 0.01% for TRFK.

What is the main difference between TRFK and VGT?

TRFK tracks Pacer Data Transmission and Communication Revolution Index - Benchmark TR Net, while VGT tracks MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: Pacer and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for TRFK and 0.09% for VGT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TRFK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.48 vs 1.91), 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.