ECOW vs. VEXC

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

ECOW (Pacer Emerging Markets Cash Cows 100 ETF) and VEXC (Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - ECOW tracks the Pacer Emerging Markets Cash Cows 100 Index while VEXC tracks the FTSE Emerging ex China Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ECOW charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VEXC.

Performance

ECOW vs. VEXC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer Emerging Markets Cash Cows 100 ETF (ECOW) and Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (VEXC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ECOW achieves a 12.49% return, which is significantly lower than VEXC's 20.48% return.

ECOW

• 1D: -0.53%
• 1M: -2.55%
• YTD: 12.49%
• 6M: 11.60%
• 1Y: 34.04%
• 3Y*: 19.54%
• 5Y*: 6.00%
• 10Y*: —

VEXC

• 1D: 0.23%
• 1M: 3.69%
• YTD: 20.48%
• 6M: 23.73%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ECOW vs. VEXC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ECOW Pacer Emerging Markets Cash Cows 100 ETF	12.49%	3.90%
VEXC Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	20.48%	4.80%

Correlation

The correlation between ECOW and VEXC is 0.78, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 3, 2025	0.78

Return for Risk

ECOW vs. VEXC — Risk / Return Rank

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

ECOW

ECOW Risk / Return Rank: 76
ECOW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
ECOW Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
ECOW Omega Ratio Rank: 75
ECOW Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
ECOW 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.

ECOW vs. VEXC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Emerging Markets Cash Cows 100 ETF (ECOW) and Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (VEXC). 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.

	ECOW	VEXC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.41	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.19	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.44	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.10	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.73	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ECOW	VEXC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.41	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.34	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.37	2.23	-1.86

Drawdowns

ECOW vs. VEXC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ECOW drawdown since its inception was -40.27%, which is greater than VEXC's maximum drawdown of -12.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ECOW and VEXC.

Drawdown Indicators

	ECOW	VEXC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.27%	-12.42%	-27.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.35%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.77%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.67%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.05%	-0.97%	-3.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.06%	-2.22%	-8.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.32%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ECOW	VEXC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.34%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.89%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.21%	18.84%	-4.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.65%	18.84%	-1.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.13%	18.84%	+1.29%

ECOW vs. VEXC - Expense Ratio Comparison

ECOW has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than VEXC's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

ECOW vs. VEXC - Dividend Comparison

ECOW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.98%, more than VEXC's 0.74% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
ECOW Pacer Emerging Markets Cash Cows 100 ETF	4.98%	5.20%	7.35%	5.46%	7.50%	4.39%	3.35%	8.08%
VEXC Vanguard Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	0.74%	0.43%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ECOW and VEXC in my portfolio?

ECOW and VEXC have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, ECOW or VEXC?

On fees, VEXC is cheaper at 0.07% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ECOW or VEXC?

VEXC is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for ECOW.

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

ECOW has the higher dividend yield at 4.98%, compared with 0.74% for VEXC.

What is the main difference between ECOW and VEXC?

ECOW tracks Pacer Emerging Markets Cash Cows 100 Index, while VEXC tracks FTSE Emerging ex China Index. They also come from different issuers: Pacer and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for ECOW and 0.07% for VEXC.