PTMC vs QQQ
Pacer Trendpilot US Mid Cap ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PTMC | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $395M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.57% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 401 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +16.85% | +18.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.50% | +25.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.17% | +25.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.17% | +15.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.5% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 11, 2015 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PTMC vs QQQ Performance
Pacer Trendpilot US Mid Cap ETF (PTMC) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PTMC returned +21.50% while QQQ returned +25.37%. Year to date, PTMC is up 16.85% versus a gain of 18.31% for QQQ.
Over three years, PTMC compounded at +9.17% per year against +25.79% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +4.17% and +15.20% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.10% annualized vs +5.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 12.3% for PTMC. 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 -20.5% for PTMC 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PTMC 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, PTMC currently yields 1.57% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
PTMC and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 134 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PTMC or QQQ?
PTMC 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, PTMC or QQQ?
Over the past year PTMC returned +21.50% vs +25.37% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), PTMC annualized +5.60% vs +13.10% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PTMC or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 12.3% for PTMC. Worst drawdown: PTMC -20.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PTMC and QQQ?
PTMC and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PTMC and QQQ?
PTMC and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 134 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PTMC or QQQ?
PTMC yields 1.57% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so PTMC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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