FEGE vs. GCOW

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

FEGE (First Eagle Global Equity ETF) and GCOW (Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. FEGE is actively managed, while GCOW is passively managed. Over the past year, FEGE returned 28.51% vs 27.77% for GCOW. Their 0.63 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. FEGE charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for GCOW.

Performance

FEGE vs. GCOW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Eagle Global Equity ETF (FEGE) 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, FEGE achieves a 10.52% return, which is significantly lower than GCOW's 14.77% return.

FEGE

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: 2.13%
• 6M: 4.11%
• YTD: 10.52%
• 1Y: 28.51%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 26.60%

GCOW

• 1D: -0.73%
• 1M: 5.47%
• 6M: 7.25%
• YTD: 14.77%
• 1Y: 27.77%
• 3Y*: 16.05%
• 5Y*: 13.35%
• 10Y*: 9.89%
• ALL TIME*: 10.57%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
FEGE First Eagle Global Equity ETF	$14.50M	$16.13M	$15.78M
GCOW Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF	$12.71M	$12.72M	$12.45M

FEGE vs. GCOW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
FEGE First Eagle Global Equity ETF	10.52%	34.19%	-1.43%
GCOW Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF	14.77%	27.34%	1.99%

Correlation

The correlation between FEGE and GCOW is 0.58, which is moderate. They have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently, sharing some price drivers without tracking each other closely.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 20, 2024	0.63

The correlation between FEGE and GCOW has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.58 to 0.63 - a consistent structural relationship.

FEGE vs. GCOW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FEGE	GCOW
Consumer Defensive	16.3%	22.3%
Technology	13.5%	2.9%
Healthcare	12.7%	17.1%
Financial Services	11.8%	-
Industrials	9.5%	10.7%
Basic Materials	8.8%	3.6%
Communication Services	8.6%	15.0%
Consumer Cyclical	7.5%	7.5%
Energy	7.4%	11.7%
Real Estate	4.0%	-
Utilities	-	6.8%

Return for Risk

FEGE vs. GCOW — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

FEGE

FEGE Risk / Return Rank: 79
FEGE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
FEGE Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
FEGE Omega Ratio Rank: 85
FEGE Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
FEGE Martin Ratio Rank: 66

GCOW

GCOW Risk / Return Rank: 90
GCOW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
GCOW Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
GCOW Omega Ratio Rank: 93
GCOW Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
GCOW Martin Ratio Rank: 83

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

FEGE vs. GCOW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Eagle Global Equity ETF (FEGE) 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.

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.

	FEGE	GCOW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.15	2.60	-0.45
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.86	3.73	-0.88
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.46	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.51	3.61	-1.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.91	11.15	-3.23

FEGE vs. GCOW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FEGE Sharpe Ratio is 2.15, which is comparable to the GCOW Sharpe Ratio of 2.60. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FEGE 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.

Drawdowns

FEGE vs. GCOW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FEGE drawdown since its inception was -11.13%, smaller than the maximum GCOW drawdown of -37.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FEGE and GCOW.

Drawdown Indicators

	FEGE	GCOW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.13%	-37.64%	+26.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.96%	-7.83%	-3.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-12.35%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-21.48%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-37.64%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.17%	-0.73%	-0.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.91%	-5.82%	+3.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.46%	2.53%	+0.93%

Volatility

FEGE vs. GCOW - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Eagle Global Equity ETF (FEGE) is 3.40%, while Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF (GCOW) has a volatility of 3.59%. This indicates that FEGE 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

	FEGE	GCOW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.40%	3.59%	-0.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.44%	8.54%	+1.90%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.79%	10.99%	+1.80%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.45%	13.55%	+0.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.45%	16.00%	-1.55%

FEGE vs. GCOW - Expense Ratio Comparison

FEGE has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than GCOW's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

FEGE vs. GCOW - Dividend Comparison

FEGE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.16%, less than GCOW's 4.58% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
FEGE First Eagle Global Equity ETF	1.16%	1.28%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
GCOW Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF	4.58%	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 FEGE and GCOW in my portfolio?

FEGE and GCOW have a correlation of 0.58, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FEGE or GCOW?

GCOW has higher volatility (3.59%) compared to FEGE (3.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FEGE dropped -11.13% vs GCOW's -37.64%.

Which ETF is better, FEGE or GCOW?

On 1-year performance, FEGE leads with 28.51% vs 27.77% for GCOW. On fees, FEGE is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, FEGE has been the lower-risk option at 3.40%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FEGE or GCOW?

Over the 1-year period, FEGE has performed better with a 28.51% return vs 27.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FEGE or GCOW?

FEGE is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for GCOW.

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

GCOW has the higher dividend yield at 4.58%, compared with 1.16% for FEGE.

What is the main difference between FEGE and GCOW?

They also come from different issuers: First Eagle and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for FEGE and 0.60% for GCOW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GCOW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.60 vs 2.15), 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.