FTA vs. GCOW

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

FTA (First Trust Large Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund) and GCOW (Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds - FTA tracks the NASDAQ AlphaDEX Large Cap Value Index while GCOW tracks the Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividends Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FTA returned 11.72%/yr vs 9.89%/yr for GCOW. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.60% expense ratio.

Performance

FTA vs. GCOW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Large Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FTA) 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, FTA achieves a 12.90% return, which is significantly higher than GCOW's 6.79% return. Over the past 10 years, FTA has outperformed GCOW with an annualized return of 11.72%, while GCOW has yielded a comparatively lower 9.89% annualized return.

FTA

• 1D: 0.72%
• 1M: 2.05%
• YTD: 12.90%
• 6M: 12.07%
• 1Y: 25.96%
• 3Y*: 16.67%
• 5Y*: 10.15%
• 10Y*: 11.72%

GCOW

• 1D: -0.51%
• 1M: -6.48%
• YTD: 6.79%
• 6M: 6.55%
• 1Y: 20.36%
• 3Y*: 15.39%
• 5Y*: 11.60%
• 10Y*: 9.89%

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

FTA vs. GCOW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FTA First Trust Large Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund	12.90%	14.94%	10.13%	10.08%	-3.73%	29.32%	-0.38%	24.73%	-13.63%	18.47%
GCOW Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF	6.79%	27.34%	3.52%	13.95%	5.49%	14.58%	-4.33%	17.81%	-7.99%	20.71%

Correlation

The correlation between FTA and GCOW is 0.63, 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	0.63
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.69
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 23, 2016	0.76

The correlation between FTA and GCOW shifts across timeframes, from 0.63 (1 year) to 0.76 (10 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FTA vs. GCOW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTA	GCOW
Financial Services	21.9%	-
Utilities	10.8%	4.0%
Energy	9.8%	22.9%
Healthcare	9.7%	14.8%
Consumer Cyclical	9.0%	4.8%
Technology	8.8%	1.3%
Industrials	8.5%	12.6%
Real Estate	6.6%	-
Consumer Defensive	6.4%	17.0%
Communication Services	5.0%	14.5%
Basic Materials	3.4%	8.1%

Return for Risk

FTA vs. GCOW — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTA

FTA Risk / Return Rank: 83
FTA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
FTA Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
FTA Omega Ratio Rank: 74
FTA Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
FTA Martin Ratio Rank: 86

GCOW

GCOW Risk / Return Rank: 61
GCOW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
GCOW Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
GCOW Omega Ratio Rank: 58
GCOW Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
GCOW Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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.

FTA vs. GCOW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Large Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FTA) 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.

	FTA	GCOW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.22	1.84	+0.38
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.27	2.65	+0.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.32	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.08	2.76	+2.32
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.98	9.79	+6.20

FTA vs. GCOW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTA Sharpe Ratio is 2.22, which is comparable to the GCOW Sharpe Ratio of 1.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTA 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

FTA vs. GCOW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTA drawdown since its inception was -62.45%, which is greater than GCOW's maximum drawdown of -37.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTA and GCOW.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTA	GCOW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-62.45%	-37.64%	-24.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.13%	-7.40%	+2.27%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.73%	-12.35%	-6.38%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.80%	-21.48%	+1.68%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.97%	-37.64%	-7.33%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.56%	-7.40%	+6.84%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.01%	-5.83%	-3.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.63%	2.09%	-0.46%

Volatility

FTA vs. GCOW - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Large Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FTA) has a higher volatility of 3.37% compared to Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF (GCOW) at 2.90%. This indicates that FTA's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GCOW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FTA	GCOW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.37%	2.90%	+0.47%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.71%	8.31%	-0.60%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.74%	11.10%	+0.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.26%	13.50%	+2.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.91%	16.03%	+3.88%

FTA vs. GCOW - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both FTA and GCOW have an expense ratio of 0.60%.

Dividends

FTA vs. GCOW - Dividend Comparison

FTA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.65%, less than GCOW's 4.93% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTA First Trust Large Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund	1.65%	1.89%	2.02%	2.10%	2.15%	1.54%	2.03%	1.88%	2.28%	1.53%	1.56%	2.05%
GCOW Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF	4.93%	4.06%	5.14%	5.28%	4.39%	4.23%	4.12%	4.40%	3.94%	2.79%	1.95%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTA and GCOW in my portfolio?

FTA and GCOW have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTA or GCOW?

FTA has higher volatility (3.37%) compared to GCOW (2.90%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTA dropped -62.45% vs GCOW's -37.64%.

Which ETF is better, FTA or GCOW?

On 10-year performance, FTA leads with 11.72% vs 9.89% for GCOW. Both ETFs have the same 0.60% expense ratio. On volatility, GCOW has been the lower-risk option at 2.90%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTA or GCOW?

Over the 10-year period, FTA has performed better with a 11.72% return vs 9.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTA or GCOW?

FTA and GCOW have the same expense ratio: 0.60% per year.

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

GCOW has the higher dividend yield at 4.93%, compared with 1.65% for FTA.

What is the main difference between FTA and GCOW?

FTA tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX Large Cap Value Index, while GCOW tracks Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividends Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Pacer.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.22 vs 1.84), 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.