PTLC vs VYM
Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PTLC | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $3.4B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 506 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +7.11% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.42% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.19% | +19.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.59% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 65348.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 11, 2015 | Nov 10, 2006 |
PTLC vs VYM Performance
Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF (PTLC) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PTLC returned +14.42% while VYM returned +23.24%. Year to date, PTLC is up 7.11% versus a gain of 15.34% for VYM.
Over three years, PTLC compounded at +14.19% per year against +19.22% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.59% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, PTLC has the edge at +36.87% annualized vs +7.04%. 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 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 -0.07. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PTLC charges 0.60% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $4 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PTLC currently yields 1.01% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
PTLC and VYM share 241 holdings out of 855 unique holdings combined, representing a 33.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PTLC or VYM?
PTLC has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PTLC or VYM?
Over the past year PTLC returned +14.42% vs +23.24% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), PTLC annualized +36.87% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PTLC or VYM?
PTLC has been the more volatile fund at 65348.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: PTLC -100.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both PTLC and VYM?
PTLC and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.07, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PTLC and VYM?
PTLC and VYM share 241 common holdings with a 33.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 855 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PTLC or VYM?
PTLC yields 1.01% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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