CBSE vs. GCOW

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

CBSE (Clough Select Equity ETF) and GCOW (Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. CBSE is actively managed, while GCOW is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, CBSE returned 11.72%/yr vs 12.16%/yr for GCOW. A 0.51 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CBSE charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for GCOW.

Performance

CBSE vs. GCOW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Clough Select Equity ETF (CBSE) 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, CBSE achieves a 24.90% return, which is significantly higher than GCOW's 9.34% return.

CBSE

• 1D: -1.09%
• 1M: -1.32%
• 6M: 16.70%
• YTD: 24.90%
• 1Y: 34.47%
• 3Y*: 27.72%
• 5Y*: 11.72%
• 10Y*: —

GCOW

• 1D: 0.36%
• 1M: -3.02%
• 6M: 7.13%
• YTD: 9.34%
• 1Y: 19.99%
• 3Y*: 14.71%
• 5Y*: 12.16%
• 10Y*: 9.38%

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

CBSE vs. GCOW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
CBSE Clough Select Equity ETF	24.90%	19.53%	32.20%	17.29%	-19.92%	14.57%	17.27%
GCOW Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF	9.34%	27.34%	3.52%	13.95%	5.49%	14.58%	11.12%

Correlation

The correlation between CBSE and GCOW is 0.26, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.26
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.39
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.51
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 13, 2020	0.51

Over the past year, the correlation between CBSE and GCOW has dropped to 0.26 - well below their long-term average of 0.51, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

CBSE vs. GCOW — Risk / Return Rank

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

CBSE

CBSE Risk / Return Rank: 52
CBSE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
CBSE Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
CBSE Omega Ratio Rank: 47
CBSE Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
CBSE Martin Ratio Rank: 53

GCOW

GCOW Risk / Return Rank: 67
GCOW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
GCOW Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
GCOW Omega Ratio Rank: 67
GCOW Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
GCOW Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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.

CBSE vs. GCOW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Clough Select Equity ETF (CBSE) 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.

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.

	CBSE	GCOW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.37	1.80	-0.43
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.87	2.63	-0.76
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.32	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.55	2.56	-0.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.25	8.08	-0.83

CBSE vs. GCOW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CBSE Sharpe Ratio is 1.37, which is comparable to the GCOW Sharpe Ratio of 1.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CBSE 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.

Drawdowns

CBSE vs. GCOW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CBSE drawdown since its inception was -36.30%, roughly equal to the maximum GCOW drawdown of -37.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CBSE and GCOW.

Drawdown Indicators

	CBSE	GCOW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.30%	-37.64%	+1.34%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.57%	-7.83%	-5.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.40%	-12.35%	-17.05%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.30%	-21.48%	-14.82%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-37.64%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.39%	-5.20%	-1.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.16%	-5.83%	-6.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.77%	2.48%	+2.29%

Volatility

CBSE vs. GCOW - Volatility Comparison

Clough Select Equity ETF (CBSE) has a higher volatility of 9.02% compared to Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF (GCOW) at 4.09%. This indicates that CBSE'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

	CBSE	GCOW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.02%	4.09%	+4.93%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.62%	8.59%	+12.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.32%	11.15%	+14.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.56%	13.53%	+11.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.11%	15.99%	+8.12%

CBSE vs. GCOW - Expense Ratio Comparison

CBSE has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than GCOW's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

CBSE vs. GCOW - Dividend Comparison

CBSE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.28%, less than GCOW's 4.81% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
CBSE Clough Select Equity ETF	0.28%	0.35%	0.37%	1.50%	0.52%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
GCOW Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF	4.81%	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 CBSE and GCOW in my portfolio?

CBSE and GCOW have a correlation of 0.26, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CBSE or GCOW?

CBSE has higher volatility (9.02%) compared to GCOW (4.09%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CBSE dropped -36.30% vs GCOW's -37.64%.

Which ETF is better, CBSE or GCOW?

On 5-year performance, GCOW leads with 12.16% vs 11.72% for CBSE. On fees, GCOW is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, GCOW has been the lower-risk option at 4.09%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CBSE or GCOW?

Over the 5-year period, GCOW has performed better with a 12.16% return vs 11.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CBSE or GCOW?

GCOW is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for CBSE.

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

GCOW has the higher dividend yield at 4.81%, compared with 0.28% for CBSE.

What is the main difference between CBSE and GCOW?

They also come from different issuers: Clough and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for CBSE and 0.60% for GCOW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GCOW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.80 vs 1.37), 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.