VFMV vs. PEXL

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

VFMV (Vanguard U.S. Minimum Volatility ETF) and PEXL (Pacer US Export Leaders ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. VFMV is actively managed, while PEXL is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, VFMV returned 9.87%/yr vs 13.04%/yr for PEXL. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VFMV charges 0.13%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for PEXL.

Performance

VFMV vs. PEXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard U.S. Minimum Volatility ETF (VFMV) 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, VFMV achieves a 8.76% return, which is significantly lower than PEXL's 21.98% return.

VFMV

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: 0.96%
• YTD: 8.76%
• 6M: 8.41%
• 1Y: 13.49%
• 3Y*: 15.06%
• 5Y*: 9.87%
• 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)

VFMV vs. PEXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
VFMV Vanguard U.S. Minimum Volatility ETF	8.76%	10.52%	16.91%	8.86%	-5.73%	20.75%	-0.19%	27.26%	-9.30%
PEXL Pacer US Export Leaders ETF	21.98%	27.33%	5.79%	24.40%	-20.41%	30.12%	25.02%	39.86%	-17.19%

Correlation

The correlation between VFMV and PEXL is 0.67, 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	0.67
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.70
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 25, 2018	0.72

The correlation between VFMV and PEXL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.67 to 0.74 - a consistent structural relationship.

VFMV vs. PEXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VFMV	PEXL
Technology	25.1%	55.1%
Communication Services	10.7%	15.1%
Financial Services	10.6%	-
Industrials	10.1%	6.4%
Healthcare	10.1%	7.5%
Consumer Defensive	9.5%	6.3%
Consumer Cyclical	6.9%	4.3%
Utilities	6.7%	-
Real Estate	6.4%	-
Energy	3.9%	1.1%
Basic Materials	-	4.2%

Return for Risk

VFMV vs. PEXL — Risk / Return Rank

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

VFMV

VFMV Risk / Return Rank: 47
VFMV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
VFMV Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
VFMV Omega Ratio Rank: 43
VFMV Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
VFMV Martin Ratio Rank: 53

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.

VFMV vs. PEXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard U.S. Minimum Volatility ETF (VFMV) 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.

	VFMV	PEXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.54	2.95	-1.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.24	3.88	-1.64
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.49	-0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.26	4.59	-2.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.85	19.74	-10.89
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VFMV vs. PEXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VFMV Sharpe Ratio is 1.54, which is lower than the PEXL Sharpe Ratio of 2.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VFMV 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

	VFMV	PEXL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.54	2.95	-1.41
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84	0.60	+0.24
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.70	0.65	+0.05

Drawdowns

VFMV vs. PEXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VFMV drawdown since its inception was -33.64%, smaller than the maximum PEXL drawdown of -36.76%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VFMV and PEXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	VFMV	PEXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.64%	-36.76%	+3.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.00%	-11.43%	+5.43%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.35%	-24.72%	+14.37%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.41%	-30.44%	+15.03%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.81%	-0.92%	+0.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.64%	-6.72%	+3.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.53%	2.65%	-1.12%

Volatility

VFMV vs. PEXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard U.S. Minimum Volatility ETF (VFMV) is 2.04%, while Pacer US Export Leaders ETF (PEXL) has a volatility of 5.31%. This indicates that VFMV 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

	VFMV	PEXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.04%	5.31%	-3.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.30%	13.14%	-6.84%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.80%	17.79%	-8.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.75%	21.86%	-10.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.25%	24.04%	-9.79%

VFMV vs. PEXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

VFMV has a 0.13% expense ratio, which is lower than PEXL's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

VFMV vs. PEXL - Dividend Comparison

VFMV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.93%, more 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%
VFMV Vanguard U.S. Minimum Volatility ETF	1.93%	2.12%	1.46%	2.20%	2.08%	1.31%	2.14%	2.43%	2.29%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VFMV and PEXL in my portfolio?

VFMV and PEXL have a correlation of 0.67, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VFMV or PEXL?

PEXL has higher volatility (5.31%) compared to VFMV (2.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VFMV dropped -33.64% vs PEXL's -36.76%.

Which ETF is better, VFMV or PEXL?

On 5-year performance, PEXL leads with 13.04% vs 9.87% for VFMV. On fees, VFMV is cheaper at 0.13% per year. On volatility, VFMV has been the lower-risk option at 2.04%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VFMV or PEXL?

Over the 5-year period, PEXL has performed better with a 13.04% return vs 9.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VFMV or PEXL?

VFMV is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for PEXL.

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

VFMV has the higher dividend yield at 1.93%, compared with 0.37% for PEXL.

What is the main difference between VFMV and PEXL?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.13% for VFMV and 0.60% for PEXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PEXL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.95 vs 1.54), 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.