CALF vs. COWG

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

CALF (Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows 100 ETF) and COWG (Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CALF is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows Index, while COWG is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, CALF returned 9.97%/yr vs 22.52%/yr for COWG. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CALF charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for COWG.

Performance

CALF vs. COWG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows 100 ETF (CALF) and Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF (COWG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CALF achieves a 12.56% return, which is significantly higher than COWG's 7.28% return.

CALF

• 1D: 1.44%
• 1M: 2.22%
• YTD: 12.56%
• 6M: 11.11%
• 1Y: 26.78%
• 3Y*: 9.97%
• 5Y*: 3.74%
• 10Y*: —

COWG

• 1D: -0.45%
• 1M: -1.35%
• YTD: 7.28%
• 6M: 5.34%
• 1Y: 8.75%
• 3Y*: 22.52%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

CALF vs. COWG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
CALF Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows 100 ETF	12.56%	2.33%	-7.41%	35.43%	-1.47%
COWG Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF	7.28%	10.24%	34.99%	20.69%	-0.68%

Correlation

The correlation between CALF and COWG is 0.60, 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	0.60
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 22, 2022	0.65

The correlation between CALF and COWG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.60 to 0.65 - a consistent structural relationship.

CALF vs. COWG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CALF	COWG
Technology	32.4%	51.4%
Consumer Cyclical	28.5%	2.9%
Healthcare	9.7%	20.0%
Energy	8.9%	7.3%
Communication Services	8.3%	5.7%
Industrials	5.4%	3.1%
Consumer Defensive	3.6%	1.9%
Basic Materials	1.6%	6.3%
Real Estate	1.5%	-
Financial Services	0.2%	-
Utilities	-	1.4%

Return for Risk

CALF vs. COWG — Risk / Return Rank

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

CALF

CALF Risk / Return Rank: 64
CALF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
CALF Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
CALF Omega Ratio Rank: 52
CALF Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
CALF Martin Ratio Rank: 72

COWG

COWG Risk / Return Rank: 18
COWG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
COWG Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
COWG Omega Ratio Rank: 16
COWG Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
COWG Martin Ratio Rank: 21

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.

CALF vs. COWG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows 100 ETF (CALF) and Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF (COWG). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	CALF	COWG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.68	0.52	+1.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.45	0.81	+1.64
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.10	+0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.37	0.81	+3.56
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.91	2.35	+9.56

CALF vs. COWG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CALF Sharpe Ratio is 1.68, which is higher than the COWG Sharpe Ratio of 0.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CALF and COWG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

CALF vs. COWG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CALF drawdown since its inception was -47.58%, which is greater than COWG's maximum drawdown of -23.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CALF and COWG.

Drawdown Indicators

	CALF	COWG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.58%	-23.60%	-23.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.15%	-10.79%	+4.64%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-34.22%	-23.60%	-10.62%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.22%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.63%	-4.64%	+2.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.69%	-3.27%	-7.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.26%	3.73%	-1.47%

Volatility

CALF vs. COWG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows 100 ETF (CALF) is 5.24%, while Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF (COWG) has a volatility of 7.09%. This indicates that CALF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than COWG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CALF	COWG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.24%	7.09%	-1.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.98%	13.18%	-2.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.08%	17.02%	-0.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.39%	19.26%	+4.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.97%	19.26%	+6.71%

CALF vs. COWG - Expense Ratio Comparison

CALF has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than COWG's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

CALF vs. COWG - Dividend Comparison

CALF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.22%, more than COWG's 0.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CALF Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows 100 ETF	1.22%	1.43%	1.07%	1.18%	0.85%	2.63%	0.82%	0.99%	1.39%	0.70%
COWG Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF	0.38%	0.32%	0.40%	0.47%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CALF and COWG in my portfolio?

CALF and COWG have a correlation of 0.60, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CALF or COWG?

COWG has higher volatility (7.09%) compared to CALF (5.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CALF dropped -47.58% vs COWG's -23.60%.

Which ETF is better, CALF or COWG?

On 3-year performance, COWG leads with 22.52% vs 9.97% for CALF. On fees, COWG is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, CALF has been the lower-risk option at 5.24%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CALF or COWG?

Over the 3-year period, COWG has performed better with a 22.52% return vs 9.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CALF or COWG?

COWG is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for CALF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CALF or COWG?

CALF has the higher dividend yield at 1.22%, compared with 0.38% for COWG.

What is the main difference between CALF and COWG?

CALF is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while COWG is Mid Cap Growth Equities. CALF tracks Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows Index, while COWG tracks Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders Index. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for CALF and 0.49% for COWG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CALF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.68 vs 0.52), 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.