PSMD vs RILA

PSMD vs RILA

Which is better, PSMD or RILA?

Each has led over a different period.

PSMD has a lower expense ratio. PSMD led over 1Y, RILA over the full window.

Lower Fees: PSMDHigher Returns: split

MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPSMDRILA
Expense Ratio0.49%Best0.50%
AUM$96M$46M
Dividend Yield0.00%0.12%
Holdings12342
YTD Return+8.82%Best+6.72%
1Y Return+11.77%Best+4.95%
3Y Return (annualized)+12.79%-
5Y Return (annualized)+9.42%-
Volatility (annualized)6.0%Best15.0%
Max Drawdown-10.7%Best-20.0%
$10,000 over 1.8 years$12,143$12,275Best
Fund FamilyPacer ETFsIndexperts
CategoryAllocation/BalancedAllocation/Balanced
StyleEquity-oriented BalancedEquity-oriented Balanced
InceptionDec 22, 2020Dec 31, 2024

Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.

Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.8 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 2, 2025 to Oct 14, 2026 (1.8 years).

PSMD vs RILA growth

Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 1.8 years both funds cover.

Compare PSMD against instead:PSMD vs SPYPSMD vs QQQPSMD vs VOOPSMD vs VTIRILA against:RILA vs VXUS

PSMD vs RILA Performance

Pacer Swan SOS Moderate (January) ETF (PSMD) is an ETF from Pacer ETFs and Indexperts Gorilla Aggressive Growth ETF (RILA) is an ETF from Indexperts. Over the past year PSMD returned +11.77% while RILA returned +4.95%. Year to date, PSMD is up 8.82% versus a gain of 6.72% for RILA.

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

RILA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% compared with 6.0% for PSMD. 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 -10.7% for PSMD and -20.0% for RILA. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.

The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PSMD charges 0.49% per year while RILA charges 0.50%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $50 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PSMD currently yields 0.00% against 0.12% for RILA.

You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.

Whichever of PSMD and RILA you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.

PSMDRILA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, PSMD or RILA?

PSMD has an expense ratio of 0.49% while RILA charges 0.50%. PSMD is the cheaper option, by $1 a year on a $10,000 investment.

Which performed better, PSMD or RILA?

Over the past year PSMD returned +11.77% vs +4.95% for RILA, so PSMD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PSMD annualized +11.39% vs +12.06% for RILA. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.

Which is riskier, PSMD or RILA?

RILA has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 6.0% for PSMD. Worst drawdown: PSMD -10.7% vs RILA -20.0%.

Should I hold both PSMD and RILA?

PSMD and RILA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.

Which pays a higher dividend, PSMD or RILA?

PSMD yields 0.00% while RILA yields 0.12%, so RILA currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Is RILA better than PSMD?

PSMD has a lower expense ratio. PSMD led over 1Y, RILA over the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.