PTLC vs QQQ
Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. PTLC offers more diversification with 506 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PTLC | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $3.4B | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 506 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +7.11% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.42% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.19% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.59% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 65348.8% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 11, 2015 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PTLC vs QQQ Performance
Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF (PTLC) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PTLC returned +14.42% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, PTLC is up 7.11% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, PTLC compounded at +14.19% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +9.59% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 21-year window we track, PTLC has the edge at +36.87% annualized vs +13.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PTLC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 65348.8% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -100.0% for PTLC and -83.0% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.06. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PTLC charges 0.60% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $18 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PTLC currently yields 1.01% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
PTLC and QQQ share 86 holdings out of 509 unique holdings combined, representing a 53.6% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PTLC or QQQ?
PTLC has an expense ratio of 0.60% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PTLC or QQQ?
Over the past year PTLC returned +14.42% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (21 years), PTLC annualized +36.87% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PTLC or QQQ?
PTLC has been the more volatile fund at 65348.8% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: PTLC -100.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PTLC and QQQ?
PTLC and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of -0.06, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PTLC and QQQ?
PTLC and QQQ share 86 common holdings with a 53.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 509 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PTLC or QQQ?
PTLC yields 1.01% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so PTLC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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