EMCS vs. ECOW

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

EMCS (Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Climate Selection ETF) and ECOW (Pacer Emerging Markets Cash Cows 100 ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - EMCS tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets Climate Select Index while ECOW tracks the Pacer Emerging Markets Cash Cows 100 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, EMCS returned 7.51%/yr vs 5.74%/yr for ECOW. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EMCS charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for ECOW.

Performance

EMCS vs. ECOW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Climate Selection ETF (EMCS) and Pacer Emerging Markets Cash Cows 100 ETF (ECOW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EMCS achieves a 30.08% return, which is significantly higher than ECOW's 8.95% return.

EMCS

• 1D: -6.03%
• 1M: 5.49%
• YTD: 30.08%
• 6M: 31.16%
• 1Y: 55.24%
• 3Y*: 26.52%
• 5Y*: 7.51%
• 10Y*: —

ECOW

• 1D: -0.95%
• 1M: -3.09%
• YTD: 8.95%
• 6M: 8.43%
• 1Y: 30.63%
• 3Y*: 17.90%
• 5Y*: 5.74%
• 10Y*: —

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

EMCS vs. ECOW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
EMCS Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Climate Selection ETF	30.08%	38.71%	10.12%	5.68%	-23.58%	-2.02%	19.72%	4.56%
ECOW Pacer Emerging Markets Cash Cows 100 ETF	8.95%	32.50%	3.17%	15.79%	-19.28%	7.47%	-2.51%	10.37%

Correlation

The correlation between EMCS and ECOW is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.78
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 6, 2019	0.69

The correlation between EMCS and ECOW has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.69 to 0.78 - a consistent structural relationship.

EMCS vs. ECOW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EMCS	ECOW
Technology	50.7%	10.3%
Financial Services	26.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	9.1%	10.7%
Communication Services	7.4%	15.1%
Basic Materials	2.6%	8.4%
Real Estate	1.8%	-
Industrials	1.2%	15.0%
Energy	1.2%	9.8%
Consumer Defensive	0.0%	9.1%
Healthcare	0.0%	0.9%
Utilities	0.0%	6.2%

Return for Risk

EMCS vs. ECOW — Risk / Return Rank

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

EMCS

EMCS Risk / Return Rank: 75
EMCS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
EMCS Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
EMCS Omega Ratio Rank: 76
EMCS Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
EMCS Martin Ratio Rank: 80

ECOW

ECOW Risk / Return Rank: 69
ECOW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
ECOW Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
ECOW Omega Ratio Rank: 68
ECOW Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
ECOW Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

EMCS vs. ECOW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Climate Selection ETF (EMCS) and Pacer Emerging Markets Cash Cows 100 ETF (ECOW). 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.

	EMCS	ECOW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.19	2.08	+0.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.77	2.82	-0.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.38	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.88	3.69	+0.19
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.31	11.56	+2.74

EMCS vs. ECOW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EMCS Sharpe Ratio is 2.19, which is comparable to the ECOW Sharpe Ratio of 2.08. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EMCS and ECOW, 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

EMCS vs. ECOW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EMCS drawdown since its inception was -44.86%, which is greater than ECOW's maximum drawdown of -40.27%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EMCS and ECOW.

Drawdown Indicators

	EMCS	ECOW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.86%	-40.27%	-4.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.32%	-8.35%	-5.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.73%	-18.77%	+2.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-42.06%	-33.30%	-8.76%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.03%	-7.07%	+1.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.52%	-11.02%	-5.50%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.87%	2.66%	+1.21%

Volatility

EMCS vs. ECOW - Volatility Comparison

Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Climate Selection ETF (EMCS) has a higher volatility of 14.09% compared to Pacer Emerging Markets Cash Cows 100 ETF (ECOW) at 5.40%. This indicates that EMCS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ECOW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EMCS	ECOW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.09%	5.40%	+8.69%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.01%	11.78%	+11.23%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.41%	14.78%	+10.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.33%	17.75%	+3.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.04%	20.13%	+1.91%

EMCS vs. ECOW - Expense Ratio Comparison

EMCS has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than ECOW's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

EMCS vs. ECOW - Dividend Comparison

EMCS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.46%, less than ECOW's 4.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
ECOW Pacer Emerging Markets Cash Cows 100 ETF	4.61%	5.20%	7.35%	5.46%	7.50%	4.39%	3.35%	8.08%
EMCS Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Climate Selection ETF	1.46%	1.66%	0.67%	3.07%	2.26%	1.46%	1.40%	3.56%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EMCS and ECOW in my portfolio?

EMCS and ECOW have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EMCS or ECOW?

EMCS has higher volatility (14.09%) compared to ECOW (5.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EMCS dropped -44.86% vs ECOW's -40.27%.

Which ETF is better, EMCS or ECOW?

On 5-year performance, EMCS leads with 7.51% vs 5.74% for ECOW. On fees, EMCS is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, ECOW has been the lower-risk option at 5.40%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EMCS or ECOW?

Over the 5-year period, EMCS has performed better with a 7.51% return vs 5.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EMCS or ECOW?

EMCS is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for ECOW.

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

ECOW has the higher dividend yield at 4.61%, compared with 1.46% for EMCS.

What is the main difference between EMCS and ECOW?

EMCS tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Climate Select Index, while ECOW tracks Pacer Emerging Markets Cash Cows 100 Index. They also come from different issuers: Xtrackers and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for EMCS and 0.70% for ECOW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EMCS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.19 vs 2.08), 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.