EQIN vs. GCOW

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EQIN (Columbia U.S. Equity Income ETF) and GCOW (Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. EQIN is actively managed, while GCOW is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, EQIN returned 9.28%/yr vs 12.34%/yr for GCOW. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. EQIN charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for GCOW.

Performance

EQIN vs. GCOW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Columbia U.S. Equity Income ETF (EQIN) 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, EQIN achieves a 7.94% return, which is significantly lower than GCOW's 12.18% return.

EQIN

• 1D: -0.46%
• 1M: 2.17%
• YTD: 7.94%
• 6M: 9.70%
• 1Y: 17.40%
• 3Y*: 14.91%
• 5Y*: 9.28%
• 10Y*: —

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)

EQIN vs. GCOW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EQIN Columbia U.S. Equity Income ETF	7.94%	9.37%	13.82%	11.58%	0.66%	31.18%	0.67%	30.67%	-12.22%	20.05%
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 EQIN and GCOW is 0.60, 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	0.60
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 20, 2016	0.67

The correlation between EQIN and GCOW shifts across timeframes, from 0.60 (1 year) to 0.73 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

EQIN vs. GCOW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EQIN	GCOW
Financial Services	27.1%	-
Energy	13.3%	24.4%
Industrials	13.1%	12.4%
Consumer Defensive	11.7%	17.1%
Technology	9.7%	0.9%
Consumer Cyclical	7.8%	4.6%
Communication Services	6.2%	14.6%
Healthcare	5.1%	14.6%
Utilities	3.7%	4.1%
Basic Materials	2.2%	7.3%
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

EQIN vs. GCOW — Risk / Return Rank

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

EQIN

EQIN Risk / Return Rank: 54
EQIN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
EQIN Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
EQIN Omega Ratio Rank: 48
EQIN Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
EQIN Martin Ratio Rank: 56

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.

EQIN vs. GCOW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Columbia U.S. Equity Income ETF (EQIN) 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.

	EQIN	GCOW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.70	2.52	-0.83
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.50	3.63	-1.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.44	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.23	5.71	-2.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.62	15.05	-5.43
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EQIN vs. GCOW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EQIN Sharpe Ratio is 1.70, which is lower than the GCOW Sharpe Ratio of 2.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EQIN 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

	EQIN	GCOW	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.70	2.52	-0.83
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.64	0.92	-0.28
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.61	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.66	0.59	+0.07

Drawdowns

EQIN vs. GCOW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EQIN drawdown since its inception was -42.16%, which is greater than GCOW's maximum drawdown of -37.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EQIN and GCOW.

Drawdown Indicators

	EQIN	GCOW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.16%	-37.64%	-4.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.41%	-4.77%	-0.64%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.05%	-12.35%	+0.30%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.51%	-21.48%	+2.97%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-37.64%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.46%	-2.73%	+2.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.89%	-5.84%	+0.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.81%	1.81%	0.00%

Volatility

EQIN vs. GCOW - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Columbia U.S. Equity Income ETF (EQIN) is 2.34%, while Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF (GCOW) has a volatility of 2.85%. This indicates that EQIN experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GCOW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EQIN	GCOW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.34%	2.85%	-0.51%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.64%	7.99%	-0.35%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.32%	10.81%	-0.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.67%	13.49%	+1.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.64%	16.20%	+2.44%

EQIN vs. GCOW - Expense Ratio Comparison

EQIN has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than GCOW's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

EQIN vs. GCOW - Dividend Comparison

EQIN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.91%, less than GCOW's 4.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
EQIN Columbia U.S. Equity Income ETF	1.91%	2.05%	4.34%	2.41%	2.71%	2.57%	2.54%	2.70%	7.81%	11.52%	2.44%
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%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EQIN and GCOW in my portfolio?

EQIN and GCOW have a correlation of 0.60, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EQIN or GCOW?

GCOW has higher volatility (2.85%) compared to EQIN (2.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EQIN dropped -42.16% vs GCOW's -37.64%.

Which ETF is better, EQIN or GCOW?

On 5-year performance, GCOW leads with 12.34% vs 9.28% for EQIN. On fees, EQIN is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, EQIN has been the lower-risk option at 2.34%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EQIN or GCOW?

Over the 5-year period, GCOW has performed better with a 12.34% return vs 9.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EQIN or GCOW?

EQIN is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for GCOW.

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

GCOW has the higher dividend yield at 4.43%, compared with 1.91% for EQIN.

What is the main difference between EQIN and GCOW?

They also come from different issuers: Columbia and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for EQIN and 0.60% for GCOW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GCOW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.52 vs 1.70), 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.