ECOW vs. RNEM

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

ECOW (Pacer Emerging Markets Cash Cows 100 ETF) and RNEM (First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - ECOW tracks the Pacer Emerging Markets Cash Cows 100 Index while RNEM tracks the Nasdaq Riskalyze Emerging Markets Equity Select Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, ECOW returned 6.59%/yr vs 4.79%/yr for RNEM. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ECOW charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for RNEM.

Performance

ECOW vs. RNEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer Emerging Markets Cash Cows 100 ETF (ECOW) and First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF (RNEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ECOW achieves a 10.62% return, which is significantly higher than RNEM's 0.25% return.

ECOW

• 1D: -0.96%
• 1M: -0.58%
• 6M: 6.85%
• YTD: 10.62%
• 1Y: 28.24%
• 3Y*: 16.35%
• 5Y*: 6.59%
• 10Y*: —

RNEM

• 1D: -1.44%
• 1M: -0.16%
• 6M: -1.96%
• YTD: 0.25%
• 1Y: 2.60%
• 3Y*: 6.03%
• 5Y*: 4.79%
• 10Y*: —

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

ECOW vs. RNEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
ECOW Pacer Emerging Markets Cash Cows 100 ETF	10.62%	32.50%	3.17%	15.79%	-19.28%	7.47%	-2.51%	10.37%
RNEM First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF	0.25%	15.58%	-1.47%	23.43%	-8.75%	6.16%	-8.16%	3.60%

Correlation

The correlation between ECOW and RNEM is 0.75, 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	0.75
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.74
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 6, 2019	0.64

The correlation between ECOW and RNEM shifts across timeframes, from 0.64 (all time) to 0.75 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

ECOW vs. RNEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ECOW	RNEM
Consumer Cyclical	14.7%	9.9%
Consumer Defensive	13.1%	6.0%
Communication Services	12.8%	8.7%
Basic Materials	11.1%	14.2%
Industrials	9.3%	3.9%
Energy	8.6%	7.0%
Utilities	7.2%	3.5%
Technology	6.8%	6.4%
Healthcare	3.6%	4.5%
Financial Services	-	35.0%
Real Estate	-	0.8%

Return for Risk

ECOW vs. RNEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

ECOW

ECOW Risk / Return Rank: 74
ECOW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
ECOW Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
ECOW Omega Ratio Rank: 74
ECOW Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
ECOW Martin Ratio Rank: 65

RNEM

RNEM Risk / Return Rank: 12
RNEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
RNEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
RNEM Omega Ratio Rank: 11
RNEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
RNEM Martin Ratio Rank: 13

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.

ECOW vs. RNEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Emerging Markets Cash Cows 100 ETF (ECOW) and First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF (RNEM). 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.

	ECOW	RNEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.91	0.21	+1.71
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.62	0.39	+2.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.05	+0.30
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.40	0.24	+3.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.37	0.65	+8.72

ECOW vs. RNEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ECOW Sharpe Ratio is 1.91, which is higher than the RNEM Sharpe Ratio of 0.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ECOW and RNEM, 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

ECOW vs. RNEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ECOW drawdown since its inception was -40.27%, roughly equal to the maximum RNEM drawdown of -38.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ECOW and RNEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	ECOW	RNEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.27%	-38.38%	-1.89%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.35%	-10.71%	+2.36%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.77%	-13.09%	-5.68%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.30%	-21.41%	-11.89%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.64%	-5.81%	+0.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.99%	-9.26%	-1.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.02%	3.99%	-0.97%

Volatility

ECOW vs. RNEM - Volatility Comparison

Pacer Emerging Markets Cash Cows 100 ETF (ECOW) has a higher volatility of 5.00% compared to First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF (RNEM) at 3.75%. This indicates that ECOW's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RNEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ECOW	RNEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.00%	3.75%	+1.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.05%	10.93%	+1.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.85%	12.51%	+2.34%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.78%	14.48%	+3.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.10%	17.18%	+2.92%

ECOW vs. RNEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

ECOW has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is lower than RNEM's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

ECOW vs. RNEM - Dividend Comparison

ECOW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.54%, more than RNEM's 2.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ECOW Pacer Emerging Markets Cash Cows 100 ETF	4.54%	5.20%	7.35%	5.46%	7.50%	4.39%	3.35%	8.08%	0.00%	0.00%
RNEM First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF	2.37%	2.75%	3.45%	1.63%	2.99%	3.20%	3.01%	2.85%	2.85%	2.28%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ECOW and RNEM in my portfolio?

ECOW and RNEM have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ECOW or RNEM?

ECOW has higher volatility (5.00%) compared to RNEM (3.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ECOW dropped -40.27% vs RNEM's -38.38%.

Which ETF is better, ECOW or RNEM?

On 5-year performance, ECOW leads with 6.59% vs 4.79% for RNEM. On fees, ECOW is cheaper at 0.70% per year. On volatility, RNEM has been the lower-risk option at 3.75%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ECOW or RNEM?

Over the 5-year period, ECOW has performed better with a 6.59% return vs 4.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ECOW or RNEM?

ECOW is cheaper with a 0.70% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for RNEM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ECOW or RNEM?

ECOW has the higher dividend yield at 4.54%, compared with 2.37% for RNEM.

What is the main difference between ECOW and RNEM?

ECOW tracks Pacer Emerging Markets Cash Cows 100 Index, while RNEM tracks Nasdaq Riskalyze Emerging Markets Equity Select Index. They also come from different issuers: Pacer and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for ECOW and 0.75% for RNEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ECOW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.91 vs 0.21), 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.