PTMC vs VYM
Pacer Trendpilot US Mid 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PTMC | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $395M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.57% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 401 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +16.02% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.41% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.98% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.12% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 11, 2015 | Nov 10, 2006 |
PTMC vs VYM Performance
Pacer Trendpilot US Mid Cap ETF (PTMC) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PTMC returned +23.41% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, PTMC is up 16.02% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, PTMC compounded at +8.98% per year against +18.29% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +4.12% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.08% annualized vs +5.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 12.2% 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 -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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PTMC 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, PTMC currently yields 1.57% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
PTMC and VYM share 12 holdings out of 577 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PTMC or VYM?
PTMC 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, PTMC or VYM?
Over the past year PTMC returned +23.41% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), PTMC annualized +5.54% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PTMC or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 12.2% for PTMC. Worst drawdown: PTMC -20.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both PTMC and VYM?
PTMC and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PTMC and VYM?
PTMC and VYM share 12 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 577 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PTMC or VYM?
PTMC yields 1.57% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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