PTLC vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPTLCVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.60%0.03%
AUM$3.2B$663.5B
Dividend Yield1.01%1.07%
Holdings5063,543
YTD Return+7.75%+13.57%
1Y Return+16.48%+24.23%
3Y Return (annualized)+13.35%+20.73%
5Y Return (annualized)+9.98%+12.24%
Volatility (annualized)65348.8%15.3%
Max Drawdown-100.0%-56.6%
Fund FamilyPacer ETFsVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJun 11, 2015May 24, 2001

PTLC vs VTI Performance

Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF (PTLC) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PTLC returned +16.48% while VTI returned +24.23%. Year to date, PTLC is up 7.75% versus a gain of 13.57% for VTI.

Over three years, PTLC compounded at +13.35% per year against +20.73% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.98% and +12.24% respectively. Across the full 21-year window we track, PTLC has the edge at +37.01% annualized vs +8.12%. 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 15.3% for VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 -0.05. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PTLC charges 0.60% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $3 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PTLC currently yields 1.01% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

85.6%overlap

PTLC and VTI share 453 holdings out of 2823 unique holdings combined, representing a 85.6% weight overlap.

High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in PTLCWeight in VTIDifference
NVDA7.33%6.32%1.01%
AAPL7.04%5.84%1.20%
MSFT4.50%3.81%0.69%
AMZNProProPro
GOOGLProProPro
AVGOProProPro
GOOGProProPro
METAProProPro
MUProProPro
TSLAProProPro
See all 10 holdings PTLC shares with VTI
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, PTLC or VTI?

PTLC has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.

Which performed better, PTLC or VTI?

Over the past year PTLC returned +16.48% vs +24.23% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (21 years), PTLC annualized +37.01% vs +8.12% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PTLC or VTI?

PTLC has been the more volatile fund at 65348.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: PTLC -100.0% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both PTLC and VTI?

PTLC and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.05, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between PTLC and VTI?

PTLC and VTI share 453 common holdings with a 85.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2823 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, PTLC or VTI?

PTLC yields 1.01% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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