PTLC vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPTLCVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.60%0.05%
AUM$3.2B$156.5B
Dividend Yield1.01%2.60%
Holdings5068,747
YTD Return+7.92%+13.57%
1Y Return+16.04%+28.78%
3Y Return (annualized)+13.42%+18.63%
5Y Return (annualized)+10.14%+9.05%
Volatility (annualized)65348.8%15.1%
Max Drawdown-100.0%-39.9%
Fund FamilyPacer ETFsVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJun 11, 2015Jan 26, 2011

PTLC vs VXUS Performance

Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF (PTLC) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PTLC returned +16.04% while VXUS returned +28.78%. Year to date, PTLC is up 7.92% versus a gain of 13.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, PTLC compounded at +13.42% per year against +18.63% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.14% and +9.05% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, PTLC has the edge at +37.02% annualized vs +4.80%. 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 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 -0.09. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PTLC charges 0.60% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $5 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PTLC currently yields 1.01% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.2%overlap

PTLC and VXUS share 7 holdings out of 8346 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in PTLCWeight in VXUSDifference
ORCL0.37%0.00%0.37%
2345:TW0.13%0.05%0.08%
HBAN0.06%0.05%0.01%
IRMProProPro
SREProProPro
KRProProPro
BGProProPro
See all 7 holdings PTLC shares with VXUS
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, PTLC or VXUS?

PTLC has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.

Which performed better, PTLC or VXUS?

Over the past year PTLC returned +16.04% vs +28.78% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PTLC annualized +37.02% vs +4.80% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PTLC or VXUS?

PTLC has been the more volatile fund at 65348.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: PTLC -100.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both PTLC and VXUS?

PTLC and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.09, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between PTLC and VXUS?

PTLC and VXUS share 7 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8346 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, PTLC or VXUS?

PTLC yields 1.01% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.

See inside every ETF you own
$29/moCancel anytime.
Try FundXLS →