TRFK vs. XLK

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

TRFK (Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF) and XLK (State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - TRFK tracks the Pacer Data Transmission and Communication Revolution Index - Benchmark TR Net while XLK tracks the S&P Technology Select Sector Daily Capped 35/20 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, TRFK returned 52.66%/yr vs 33.46%/yr for XLK. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. TRFK charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLK.

Performance

TRFK vs. XLK - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TRFK achieves a 64.96% return, which is significantly higher than XLK's 34.34% return.

TRFK

• 1D: -2.93%
• 1M: 24.68%
• YTD: 64.96%
• 6M: 57.34%
• 1Y: 97.75%
• 3Y*: 52.66%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XLK

• 1D: -1.56%
• 1M: 16.63%
• YTD: 34.34%
• 6M: 33.10%
• 1Y: 64.08%
• 3Y*: 33.46%
• 5Y*: 23.44%
• 10Y*: 25.62%

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

TRFK vs. XLK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
TRFK Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF	64.96%	26.81%	38.30%	66.63%	-10.61%
XLK State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF	34.34%	24.61%	21.63%	56.02%	-7.99%

Correlation

The correlation between TRFK and XLK is 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 10, 2022	0.92

The correlation between TRFK and XLK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

TRFK vs. XLK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	TRFK	XLK
Technology	91.8%	99.7%
Industrials	8.3%	0.1%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	0.2%
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

TRFK vs. XLK — Risk / Return Rank

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

TRFK

TRFK Risk / Return Rank: 85
TRFK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
TRFK Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
TRFK Omega Ratio Rank: 86
TRFK Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
TRFK Martin Ratio Rank: 67

XLK

XLK Risk / Return Rank: 82
XLK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
XLK Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
XLK Omega Ratio Rank: 83
XLK Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
XLK Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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. XLK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF (TRFK) and State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK). 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.

	TRFK	XLK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.53	3.09	+0.45
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.15	3.77	+0.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.52	1.49	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.03	4.04	+0.98
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.06	13.55	-1.49
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

TRFK vs. XLK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TRFK Sharpe Ratio is 3.53, which is comparable to the XLK Sharpe Ratio of 3.09. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TRFK and XLK, 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

	TRFK	XLK	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.53	3.09	+0.45
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.95	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	1.05	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.54	0.41	+1.13

Drawdowns

TRFK vs. XLK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TRFK drawdown since its inception was -29.06%, smaller than the maximum XLK drawdown of -82.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TRFK and XLK.

Drawdown Indicators

	TRFK	XLK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-29.06%	-82.05%	+52.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.56%	-15.92%	-3.64%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.06%	-25.66%	-3.40%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-33.56%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.56%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.99%	-2.54%	-0.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.04%	-34.95%	+28.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.13%	4.74%	+3.39%

Volatility

TRFK vs. XLK - Volatility Comparison

Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF (TRFK) has a higher volatility of 10.70% compared to State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) at 7.27%. This indicates that TRFK's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TRFK	XLK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.70%	7.27%	+3.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.98%	16.76%	+5.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.82%	20.86%	+6.96%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.94%	24.90%	+4.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.94%	24.49%	+4.45%

TRFK vs. XLK - Expense Ratio Comparison

TRFK has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than XLK's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

TRFK vs. XLK - Dividend Comparison

TRFK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.01%, less than XLK's 0.40% 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%
XLK State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF	0.40%	0.54%	0.66%	0.76%	1.04%	0.65%	0.92%	1.16%	1.60%	1.37%	1.74%	1.79%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TRFK and XLK in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, TRFK and XLK 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 XLK?

TRFK has higher volatility (10.70%) compared to XLK (7.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TRFK dropped -29.06% vs XLK's -82.05%.

Which ETF is better, TRFK or XLK?

On 3-year performance, TRFK leads with 52.66% vs 33.46% for XLK. On fees, XLK is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, XLK has been the lower-risk option at 7.27%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TRFK or XLK?

Over the 3-year period, TRFK has performed better with a 52.66% return vs 33.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TRFK or XLK?

XLK is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for TRFK.

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

XLK has the higher dividend yield at 0.40%, compared with 0.01% for TRFK.

What is the main difference between TRFK and XLK?

TRFK tracks Pacer Data Transmission and Communication Revolution Index - Benchmark TR Net, while XLK tracks S&P Technology Select Sector Daily Capped 35/20 Index. They also come from different issuers: Pacer and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for TRFK and 0.08% for XLK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TRFK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.53 vs 3.09), 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.