FVAL vs. GCOW

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FVAL (Fidelity Value Factor ETF) and GCOW (Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds - FVAL tracks the Fidelity U.S. Value Factor Index while GCOW tracks the Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividends Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FVAL returned 12.53%/yr vs 12.34%/yr for GCOW. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FVAL charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for GCOW.

Performance

FVAL vs. GCOW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Value Factor ETF (FVAL) 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, FVAL achieves a 11.14% return, which is significantly lower than GCOW's 12.18% return.

FVAL

• 1D: -0.59%
• 1M: 5.54%
• YTD: 11.14%
• 6M: 12.79%
• 1Y: 31.42%
• 3Y*: 20.96%
• 5Y*: 12.53%
• 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)

FVAL vs. GCOW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FVAL Fidelity Value Factor ETF	11.14%	19.56%	18.05%	23.10%	-14.40%	30.33%	9.08%	30.33%	-7.87%	22.49%
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 FVAL and GCOW is 0.40, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.40
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.52
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.63
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 16, 2016	0.70

Over the past year, the correlation between FVAL and GCOW has dropped to 0.40 - well below their long-term average of 0.70, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

FVAL vs. GCOW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FVAL	GCOW
Technology	32.6%	0.9%
Financial Services	11.4%	-
Consumer Cyclical	9.9%	4.6%
Communication Services	9.4%	14.6%
Healthcare	9.3%	14.6%
Industrials	8.1%	12.4%
Consumer Defensive	4.3%	17.1%
Energy	4.1%	24.4%
Real Estate	2.4%	-
Basic Materials	1.9%	7.3%
Utilities	1.8%	4.1%

Return for Risk

FVAL vs. GCOW — Risk / Return Rank

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

FVAL

FVAL Risk / Return Rank: 79
FVAL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
FVAL Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
FVAL Omega Ratio Rank: 81
FVAL Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
FVAL Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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.

FVAL vs. GCOW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Value Factor ETF (FVAL) 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.

	FVAL	GCOW	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.73	2.52	+0.21
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.78	3.63	+0.16
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.49	1.44	+0.05
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.54	5.71	-2.18
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	15.80	15.05	+0.75
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FVAL vs. GCOW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FVAL Sharpe Ratio is 2.73, which is comparable to the GCOW Sharpe Ratio of 2.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FVAL 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

	FVAL	GCOW	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.73	2.52	+0.21
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76	0.92	-0.16
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.61	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.81	0.59	+0.22

Drawdowns

FVAL vs. GCOW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FVAL drawdown since its inception was -37.26%, roughly equal to the maximum GCOW drawdown of -37.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FVAL and GCOW.

Drawdown Indicators

	FVAL	GCOW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.26%	-37.64%	+0.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.92%	-4.77%	-4.15%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.39%	-12.35%	-6.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.42%	-21.48%	-1.94%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-37.64%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.75%	-2.73%	+1.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.58%	-5.84%	+1.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.99%	1.81%	+0.18%

Volatility

FVAL vs. GCOW - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Fidelity Value Factor ETF (FVAL) is 2.70%, while Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF (GCOW) has a volatility of 2.85%. This indicates that FVAL 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

	FVAL	GCOW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.70%	2.85%	-0.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.64%	7.99%	+0.65%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.56%	10.81%	+0.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.48%	13.49%	+2.99%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.11%	16.20%	+1.91%

FVAL vs. GCOW - Expense Ratio Comparison

FVAL has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than GCOW's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

FVAL vs. GCOW - Dividend Comparison

FVAL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.49%, less than GCOW's 4.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
FVAL Fidelity Value Factor ETF	1.49%	1.61%	1.60%	1.69%	1.79%	1.41%	1.61%	1.77%	2.06%	1.62%	0.45%
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 FVAL and GCOW in my portfolio?

FVAL and GCOW have a correlation of 0.40, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FVAL or GCOW?

GCOW has higher volatility (2.85%) compared to FVAL (2.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FVAL dropped -37.26% vs GCOW's -37.64%.

Which ETF is better, FVAL or GCOW?

On 5-year performance, FVAL leads with 12.53% vs 12.34% for GCOW. On fees, FVAL is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, FVAL has been the lower-risk option at 2.70%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FVAL or GCOW?

Over the 5-year period, FVAL has performed better with a 12.53% return vs 12.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FVAL or GCOW?

FVAL is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for GCOW.

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

GCOW has the higher dividend yield at 4.43%, compared with 1.49% for FVAL.

What is the main difference between FVAL and GCOW?

FVAL tracks Fidelity U.S. Value Factor Index, while GCOW tracks Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividends Index. They also come from different issuers: Fidelity and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for FVAL and 0.60% for GCOW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FVAL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.73 vs 2.52), 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.