ACVU vs. GCOW

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ACVU (Hartford Alpha Capture Value ETF) and GCOW (Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. ACVU is actively managed, while GCOW is passively managed. Over the past year, ACVU returned 23.84% vs 27.12% for GCOW. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ACVU charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for GCOW.

Performance

ACVU vs. GCOW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Hartford Alpha Capture Value ETF (ACVU) and Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF (GCOW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ACVU achieves a 11.06% return, which is significantly lower than GCOW's 12.18% return.

ACVU

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 4.09%
• YTD: 11.06%
• 6M: 12.40%
• 1Y: 23.84%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GCOW

• 1D: -0.56%
• 1M: 0.09%
• YTD: 12.18%
• 6M: 13.23%
• 1Y: 27.12%
• 3Y*: 17.41%
• 5Y*: 12.34%
• 10Y*: 9.91%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

ACVU vs. GCOW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
ACVU Hartford Alpha Capture Value ETF	11.06%	14.54%	9.83%	8.32%
GCOW Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF	12.18%	27.34%	3.52%	5.40%

Correlation

The correlation between ACVU and GCOW is 0.55, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.55
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 17, 2023	0.63

The correlation between ACVU and GCOW has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.55 to 0.63 - a consistent structural relationship.

ACVU vs. GCOW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ACVU	GCOW
Financial Services	17.9%	-
Technology	16.3%	0.9%
Industrials	11.6%	12.4%
Healthcare	11.4%	14.6%
Communication Services	8.2%	14.6%
Consumer Defensive	7.6%	17.1%
Energy	7.4%	24.4%
Consumer Cyclical	6.7%	4.6%
Utilities	6.1%	4.1%
Real Estate	4.0%	-
Basic Materials	2.4%	7.3%

Return for Risk

ACVU vs. GCOW — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

ACVU

ACVU Risk / Return Rank: 67
ACVU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
ACVU Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
ACVU Omega Ratio Rank: 66
ACVU Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
ACVU Martin Ratio Rank: 67

GCOW

GCOW Risk / Return Rank: 79
GCOW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
GCOW Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
GCOW Omega Ratio Rank: 72
GCOW Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
GCOW Martin Ratio Rank: 77

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

ACVU vs. GCOW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Hartford Alpha Capture Value ETF (ACVU) and Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF (GCOW). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	ACVU	GCOW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.19	2.52	-0.33
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.12	3.63	-0.51
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.44	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.17	5.71	-2.55
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.13	15.05	-2.91
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ACVU vs. GCOW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ACVU Sharpe Ratio is 2.19, which is comparable to the GCOW Sharpe Ratio of 2.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ACVU and GCOW, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ACVU	GCOW	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.19	2.52	-0.33
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.92	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.61	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.40	0.59	+0.81

Drawdowns

ACVU vs. GCOW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ACVU drawdown since its inception was -13.11%, smaller than the maximum GCOW drawdown of -37.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ACVU and GCOW.

Drawdown Indicators

	ACVU	GCOW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.11%	-37.64%	+24.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.56%	-4.77%	-2.79%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-12.35%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-21.48%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-37.64%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.13%	-2.73%	+2.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.97%	-5.84%	+3.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.97%	1.81%	+0.16%

Volatility

ACVU vs. GCOW - Volatility Comparison

Hartford Alpha Capture Value ETF (ACVU) has a higher volatility of 3.28% compared to Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF (GCOW) at 2.85%. This indicates that ACVU's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GCOW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ACVU	GCOW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.28%	2.85%	+0.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.22%	7.99%	+0.23%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.93%	10.81%	+0.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.30%	13.49%	-1.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.30%	16.20%	-3.90%

ACVU vs. GCOW - Expense Ratio Comparison

ACVU has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than GCOW's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

ACVU vs. GCOW - Dividend Comparison

ACVU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.77%, less than GCOW's 4.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
ACVU Hartford Alpha Capture Value ETF	1.77%	1.97%	3.91%	2.87%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
GCOW Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF	4.43%	4.06%	5.14%	5.28%	4.39%	4.23%	4.12%	4.40%	3.94%	2.79%	1.95%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ACVU and GCOW in my portfolio?

ACVU and GCOW have a correlation of 0.55, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ACVU or GCOW?

ACVU has higher volatility (3.28%) compared to GCOW (2.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ACVU dropped -13.11% vs GCOW's -37.64%.

Which ETF is better, ACVU or GCOW?

On 1-year performance, GCOW leads with 27.12% vs 23.84% for ACVU. On fees, ACVU is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, GCOW has been the lower-risk option at 2.85%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ACVU or GCOW?

Over the 1-year period, GCOW has performed better with a 27.12% return vs 23.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ACVU or GCOW?

ACVU is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for GCOW.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ACVU or GCOW?

GCOW has the higher dividend yield at 4.43%, compared with 1.77% for ACVU.

What is the main difference between ACVU and GCOW?

They also come from different issuers: Hartford and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for ACVU and 0.60% for GCOW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GCOW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.52 vs 2.19), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.