FMAG vs. HERD

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FMAG (Fidelity Magellan ETF) and HERD (Pacer Cash Cows Fund of Funds ETF) are both Global Equities funds. FMAG is actively managed, while HERD is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FMAG returned 10.98%/yr vs 9.42%/yr for HERD. A 0.58 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FMAG charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.73%/yr for HERD.

Performance

FMAG vs. HERD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Magellan ETF (FMAG) and Pacer Cash Cows Fund of Funds ETF (HERD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FMAG achieves a 7.11% return, which is significantly lower than HERD's 7.61% return.

FMAG

• 1D: -0.98%
• 1M: 1.26%
• YTD: 7.11%
• 6M: 6.48%
• 1Y: 12.33%
• 3Y*: 20.08%
• 5Y*: 10.98%
• 10Y*: —

HERD

• 1D: -0.48%
• 1M: -2.59%
• YTD: 7.61%
• 6M: 6.96%
• 1Y: 23.68%
• 3Y*: 15.54%
• 5Y*: 9.42%
• 10Y*: —

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

FMAG vs. HERD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
FMAG Fidelity Magellan ETF	7.11%	10.40%	28.52%	31.25%	-26.92%	26.06%
HERD Pacer Cash Cows Fund of Funds ETF	7.61%	19.07%	2.91%	20.72%	-6.96%	21.29%

Correlation

The correlation between FMAG and HERD is 0.54, 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	0.54
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.54
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 4, 2021	0.58

The correlation between FMAG and HERD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.54 to 0.60 - a consistent structural relationship.

FMAG vs. HERD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FMAG	HERD
Technology	42.7%	20.7%
Industrials	15.7%	13.3%
Consumer Cyclical	12.9%	15.8%
Financial Services	12.2%	0.0%
Communication Services	5.6%	8.0%
Healthcare	4.0%	14.4%
Basic Materials	4.0%	4.8%
Utilities	2.3%	0.7%
Consumer Defensive	1.7%	7.8%
Real Estate	1.3%	0.3%
Energy	-	14.3%

Return for Risk

FMAG vs. HERD — Risk / Return Rank

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

FMAG

FMAG Risk / Return Rank: 22
FMAG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
FMAG Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
FMAG Omega Ratio Rank: 22
FMAG Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
FMAG Martin Ratio Rank: 24

HERD

HERD Risk / Return Rank: 68
HERD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
HERD Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
HERD Omega Ratio Rank: 60
HERD Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
HERD Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

FMAG vs. HERD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Magellan ETF (FMAG) and Pacer Cash Cows Fund of Funds ETF (HERD). 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.

	FMAG	HERD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.81	1.99	-1.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.21	2.81	-1.60
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	1.36	-0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.89	4.19	-3.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.09	13.55	-10.45

FMAG vs. HERD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FMAG Sharpe Ratio is 0.81, which is lower than the HERD Sharpe Ratio of 1.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FMAG and HERD, 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

FMAG vs. HERD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FMAG drawdown since its inception was -32.93%, smaller than the maximum HERD drawdown of -39.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FMAG and HERD.

Drawdown Indicators

	FMAG	HERD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.93%	-39.41%	+6.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.97%	-5.68%	-8.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.12%	-18.90%	-1.22%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.93%	-21.60%	-11.33%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.55%	-4.60%	+3.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.92%	-4.54%	-4.38%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.00%	1.75%	+2.25%

Volatility

FMAG vs. HERD - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Magellan ETF (FMAG) has a higher volatility of 6.45% compared to Pacer Cash Cows Fund of Funds ETF (HERD) at 3.86%. This indicates that FMAG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than HERD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FMAG	HERD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.45%	3.86%	+2.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.63%	8.26%	+4.37%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.32%	11.96%	+3.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.00%	17.75%	+2.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.76%	20.47%	-0.71%

FMAG vs. HERD - Expense Ratio Comparison

FMAG has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is lower than HERD's 0.73% expense ratio.

Dividends

FMAG vs. HERD - Dividend Comparison

FMAG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.08%, less than HERD's 2.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
FMAG Fidelity Magellan ETF	0.08%	0.09%	0.15%	0.34%	0.23%	0.03%	0.00%	0.00%
HERD Pacer Cash Cows Fund of Funds ETF	2.91%	3.75%	2.43%	2.54%	2.50%	2.02%	1.95%	1.69%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FMAG and HERD in my portfolio?

FMAG and HERD have a correlation of 0.54, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FMAG or HERD?

FMAG has higher volatility (6.45%) compared to HERD (3.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FMAG dropped -32.93% vs HERD's -39.41%.

Which ETF is better, FMAG or HERD?

On 5-year performance, FMAG leads with 10.98% vs 9.42% for HERD. On fees, FMAG is cheaper at 0.59% per year. On volatility, HERD has been the lower-risk option at 3.86%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FMAG or HERD?

Over the 5-year period, FMAG has performed better with a 10.98% return vs 9.42%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FMAG or HERD?

FMAG is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.73% for HERD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FMAG or HERD?

HERD has the higher dividend yield at 2.91%, compared with 0.08% for FMAG.

What is the main difference between FMAG and HERD?

They also come from different issuers: Fidelity and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for FMAG and 0.73% for HERD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HERD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.99 vs 0.81), 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.