VOT vs. PAMC

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

VOT (Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF) and PAMC (Pacer Lunt MidCap Multi-Factor Alternator ETF) are both Mid Cap Growth Equities funds - VOT tracks the CRSP US Mid Cap Growth Index while PAMC tracks the Lunt Capital U.S. MidCap Multi-Factor Rotation Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, VOT returned 4.89%/yr vs 9.60%/yr for PAMC. Their correlation of 0.82 means they have usually moved in the same direction. VOT charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for PAMC.

Performance

VOT vs. PAMC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) and Pacer Lunt MidCap Multi-Factor Alternator ETF (PAMC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VOT achieves a 6.22% return, which is significantly lower than PAMC's 15.63% return.

VOT

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: -1.91%
• 6M: 7.03%
• YTD: 6.22%
• 1Y: 4.08%
• 3Y*: 12.46%
• 5Y*: 4.89%
• 10Y*: 11.66%
• ALL TIME*: 9.96%

PAMC

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: -0.96%
• 6M: 11.11%
• YTD: 15.63%
• 1Y: 25.97%
• 3Y*: 15.21%
• 5Y*: 9.60%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 15.20%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
PAMC Pacer Lunt MidCap Multi-Factor Alternator ETF	$146.26K	$127.92K	$342.42K
VOT Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF	$53.27M	$59.32M	$61.74M

VOT vs. PAMC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
VOT Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF	6.22%	10.72%	16.38%	23.10%	-28.87%	20.50%	31.59%
PAMC Pacer Lunt MidCap Multi-Factor Alternator ETF	15.63%	1.54%	26.20%	19.30%	-12.15%	13.15%	34.86%

Correlation

The correlation between VOT and PAMC is 0.76, which is moderate. They have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently, sharing some price drivers without tracking each other closely.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.76
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.82
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 25, 2020	0.82

The correlation between VOT and PAMC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.76 to 0.85 - a consistent structural relationship.

VOT vs. PAMC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VOT	PAMC
Technology	33.8%	10.8%
Industrials	26.7%	23.2%
Consumer Cyclical	10.8%	12.5%
Healthcare	8.0%	5.8%
Financial Services	6.0%	19.8%
Real Estate	4.2%	6.8%
Communication Services	3.0%	0.8%
Utilities	2.9%	3.5%
Energy	1.8%	7.8%
Basic Materials	1.6%	5.5%
Consumer Defensive	0.7%	3.4%

Return for Risk

VOT vs. PAMC — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

VOT

VOT Risk / Return Rank: 13
VOT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
VOT Sortino Ratio Rank: 13
VOT Omega Ratio Rank: 13
VOT Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
VOT Martin Ratio Rank: 14

PAMC

PAMC Risk / Return Rank: 58
PAMC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
PAMC Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
PAMC Omega Ratio Rank: 52
PAMC Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
PAMC Martin Ratio Rank: 69

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

VOT vs. PAMC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) and Pacer Lunt MidCap Multi-Factor Alternator ETF (PAMC). 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.

	VOT	PAMC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.13	1.26	-1.13
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.30	1.88	-1.59
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.03	1.24	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.14	2.33	-2.19
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.40	8.42	-8.02

VOT vs. PAMC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VOT Sharpe Ratio is 0.13, which is lower than the PAMC Sharpe Ratio of 1.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VOT and PAMC, 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

VOT vs. PAMC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VOT drawdown since its inception was -60.16%, which is greater than PAMC's maximum drawdown of -27.04%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VOT and PAMC.

Drawdown Indicators

	VOT	PAMC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.16%	-27.04%	-33.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.96%	-10.24%	-5.72%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.77%	-26.07%	+4.30%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.19%	-26.61%	-10.58%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.19%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.52%	-3.30%	-0.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.90%	-7.32%	-2.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.42%	2.83%	+2.59%

Volatility

VOT vs. PAMC - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) and Pacer Lunt MidCap Multi-Factor Alternator ETF (PAMC) have volatilities of 4.19% and 4.30%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VOT	PAMC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.19%	4.30%	-0.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.89%	14.15%	-0.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.20%	18.94%	-1.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.56%	20.21%	+1.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.02%	20.62%	+0.40%

VOT vs. PAMC - Expense Ratio Comparison

VOT has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than PAMC's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

VOT vs. PAMC - Dividend Comparison

VOT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.62%, less than PAMC's 1.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PAMC Pacer Lunt MidCap Multi-Factor Alternator ETF	1.12%	1.11%	0.97%	0.69%	1.29%	0.36%	0.30%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VOT Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF	0.62%	0.64%	0.67%	0.71%	0.78%	0.34%	0.56%	0.78%	0.84%	0.72%	0.81%	0.81%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VOT and PAMC in my portfolio?

VOT and PAMC have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VOT or PAMC?

PAMC has higher volatility (4.30%) compared to VOT (4.19%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VOT dropped -60.16% vs PAMC's -27.04%.

Which ETF is better, VOT or PAMC?

On 5-year performance, PAMC leads with 9.60% vs 4.89% for VOT. On fees, VOT is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VOT has been the lower-risk option at 4.19%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VOT or PAMC?

Over the 5-year period, PAMC has performed better with a 9.60% return vs 4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VOT or PAMC?

VOT is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for PAMC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VOT or PAMC?

PAMC has the higher dividend yield at 1.12%, compared with 0.62% for VOT.

What is the main difference between VOT and PAMC?

VOT tracks CRSP US Mid Cap Growth Index, while PAMC tracks Lunt Capital U.S. MidCap Multi-Factor Rotation Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for VOT and 0.60% for PAMC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PAMC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.26 vs 0.13), 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.