DIV vs. GCOW

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DIV (Global X SuperDividend U.S. ETF) and GCOW (Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DIV is a Dividend fund tracking the Indxx SuperDividend® U.S. Low Volatility Index, while GCOW is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividends Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DIV returned 3.95%/yr vs 9.91%/yr for GCOW. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DIV charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for GCOW.

Performance

DIV vs. GCOW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X SuperDividend U.S. ETF (DIV) and Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF (GCOW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with DIV having a 11.63% return and GCOW slightly higher at 12.18%. Over the past 10 years, DIV has underperformed GCOW with an annualized return of 3.95%, while GCOW has yielded a comparatively higher 9.91% annualized return.

DIV

• 1D: -1.38%
• 1M: -1.56%
• YTD: 11.63%
• 6M: 10.20%
• 1Y: 14.38%
• 3Y*: 11.72%
• 5Y*: 5.02%
• 10Y*: 3.95%

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)

DIV vs. GCOW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DIV Global X SuperDividend U.S. ETF	11.63%	3.10%	11.27%	-1.73%	-3.92%	30.60%	-22.85%	14.50%	-6.60%	9.90%
GCOW Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF	12.18%	27.34%	3.52%	13.95%	5.49%	14.58%	-4.33%	17.81%	-7.99%	20.71%

Correlation

The correlation between DIV and GCOW is 0.66, 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	0.66
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.70
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.73
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 24, 2016	0.70

The correlation between DIV and GCOW has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.66 to 0.73 - a consistent structural relationship.

DIV vs. GCOW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DIV	GCOW
Energy	21.5%	24.4%
Real Estate	19.8%	-
Consumer Defensive	13.4%	17.1%
Utilities	12.0%	4.1%
Industrials	11.5%	12.4%
Communication Services	6.3%	14.6%
Basic Materials	4.6%	7.3%
Financial Services	3.9%	-
Healthcare	3.6%	14.6%
Consumer Cyclical	3.5%	4.6%
Technology	-	0.9%

Return for Risk

DIV vs. GCOW — Risk / Return Rank

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

DIV

DIV Risk / Return Rank: 42
DIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
DIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
DIV Omega Ratio Rank: 35
DIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
DIV Martin Ratio Rank: 46

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.

DIV vs. GCOW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X SuperDividend U.S. ETF (DIV) 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.

	DIV	GCOW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.40	2.52	-1.13
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.02	3.63	-1.61
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.44	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.76	5.71	-2.95
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.79	15.05	-7.26
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DIV vs. GCOW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DIV Sharpe Ratio is 1.40, which is lower than the GCOW Sharpe Ratio of 2.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DIV 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

	DIV	GCOW	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.40	2.52	-1.13
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.37	0.92	-0.55
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.22	0.61	-0.39
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.27	0.59	-0.31

Drawdowns

DIV vs. GCOW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DIV drawdown since its inception was -52.74%, which is greater than GCOW's maximum drawdown of -37.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DIV and GCOW.

Drawdown Indicators

	DIV	GCOW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-52.74%	-37.64%	-15.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.23%	-4.77%	-0.46%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.33%	-12.35%	+0.02%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.14%	-21.48%	+0.34%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-52.74%	-37.64%	-15.10%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.20%	-2.73%	-0.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.03%	-5.84%	-1.19%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.85%	1.81%	+0.04%

Volatility

DIV vs. GCOW - Volatility Comparison

Global X SuperDividend U.S. ETF (DIV) has a higher volatility of 3.18% compared to Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF (GCOW) at 2.85%. This indicates that DIV'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

	DIV	GCOW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.18%	2.85%	+0.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.11%	7.99%	-0.88%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.36%	10.81%	-0.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.68%	13.49%	+0.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.98%	16.20%	+1.78%

DIV vs. GCOW - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

DIV vs. GCOW - Dividend Comparison

DIV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.36%, more than GCOW's 4.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DIV Global X SuperDividend U.S. ETF	7.36%	7.30%	5.74%	7.13%	6.62%	5.24%	8.01%	7.65%	7.08%	5.92%	6.78%	8.44%
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%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DIV and GCOW in my portfolio?

DIV and GCOW have a correlation of 0.66, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DIV or GCOW?

DIV has higher volatility (3.18%) compared to GCOW (2.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DIV dropped -52.74% vs GCOW's -37.64%.

Which ETF is better, DIV or GCOW?

On 10-year performance, GCOW leads with 9.91% vs 3.95% for DIV. On fees, DIV 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, DIV or GCOW?

Over the 10-year period, GCOW has performed better with a 9.91% return vs 3.95%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DIV or GCOW?

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

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

DIV has the higher dividend yield at 7.36%, compared with 4.43% for GCOW.

What is the main difference between DIV and GCOW?

DIV is categorized as Dividend, while GCOW is Large Cap Value Equities. DIV tracks Indxx SuperDividend® U.S. Low Volatility Index, while GCOW tracks Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividends Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for DIV and 0.60% for GCOW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GCOW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.52 vs 1.40), 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.