FVD vs. COWZ

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

FVD (First Trust Value Line Dividend Index Fund) and COWZ (Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF) are both Mid Cap Value Equities funds - FVD tracks the Value Line Dividend Index while COWZ tracks the Pacer US Cash Cows 100 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FVD returned 6.42%/yr vs 10.40%/yr for COWZ. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FVD charges 0.61%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for COWZ.

Performance

FVD vs. COWZ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Value Line Dividend Index Fund (FVD) and Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF (COWZ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FVD achieves a 7.55% return, which is significantly higher than COWZ's 7.00% return.

FVD

• 1D: 0.51%
• 1M: 2.00%
• 6M: 6.10%
• YTD: 7.55%
• 1Y: 11.06%
• 3Y*: 9.49%
• 5Y*: 6.42%
• 10Y*: 8.47%

COWZ

• 1D: 0.23%
• 1M: 0.06%
• 6M: 3.87%
• YTD: 7.00%
• 1Y: 15.61%
• 3Y*: 11.57%
• 5Y*: 10.40%
• 10Y*: —

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

FVD vs. COWZ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FVD First Trust Value Line Dividend Index Fund	7.55%	8.16%	10.04%	4.11%	-5.18%	25.08%	-0.02%	26.58%	-3.49%	12.51%
COWZ Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF	7.00%	8.98%	10.64%	14.73%	0.19%	42.57%	11.65%	23.41%	-10.05%	20.22%

Correlation

The correlation between FVD and COWZ is 0.69, 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	0.69
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.75
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 19, 2016	0.77

The correlation between FVD and COWZ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.69 to 0.77 - a consistent structural relationship.

FVD vs. COWZ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FVD	COWZ
Financial Services	19.0%	-
Utilities	17.4%	-
Industrials	14.3%	10.9%
Consumer Defensive	11.1%	10.5%
Healthcare	8.2%	19.9%
Real Estate	7.7%	-
Technology	7.3%	19.9%
Consumer Cyclical	5.7%	14.3%
Energy	3.6%	11.6%
Communication Services	2.9%	8.7%
Basic Materials	2.9%	4.0%

Return for Risk

FVD vs. COWZ — Risk / Return Rank

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

FVD

FVD Risk / Return Rank: 34
FVD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
FVD Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
FVD Omega Ratio Rank: 31
FVD Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
FVD Martin Ratio Rank: 31

COWZ

COWZ Risk / Return Rank: 50
COWZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
COWZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
COWZ Omega Ratio Rank: 43
COWZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
COWZ Martin Ratio Rank: 51

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.

FVD vs. COWZ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Value Line Dividend Index Fund (FVD) and Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF (COWZ). 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.

	FVD	COWZ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.04	1.28	-0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.59	1.90	-0.31
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.23	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.42	2.46	-1.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.61	6.91	-3.30

FVD vs. COWZ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FVD Sharpe Ratio is 1.04, which is comparable to the COWZ Sharpe Ratio of 1.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FVD and COWZ, 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

FVD vs. COWZ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FVD drawdown since its inception was -51.00%, which is greater than COWZ's maximum drawdown of -38.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FVD and COWZ.

Drawdown Indicators

	FVD	COWZ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.00%	-38.63%	-12.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.23%	-5.95%	-1.28%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.97%	-22.00%	+10.03%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.41%	-22.00%	+5.59%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.25%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.04%	-1.99%	+0.95%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.43%	-4.79%	-0.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.84%	2.13%	+0.71%

Volatility

FVD vs. COWZ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Value Line Dividend Index Fund (FVD) is 3.72%, while Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF (COWZ) has a volatility of 4.26%. This indicates that FVD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than COWZ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FVD	COWZ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.72%	4.26%	-0.54%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.58%	7.85%	-0.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.90%	11.46%	-1.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.80%	17.64%	-4.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.43%	19.87%	-4.44%

FVD vs. COWZ - Expense Ratio Comparison

FVD has a 0.61% expense ratio, which is higher than COWZ's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

FVD vs. COWZ - Dividend Comparison

FVD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.28%, more than COWZ's 1.93% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
COWZ Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF	1.93%	2.19%	1.82%	1.92%	1.96%	1.48%	2.54%	1.96%	1.67%	1.95%	0.13%	0.00%
FVD First Trust Value Line Dividend Index Fund	2.28%	2.36%	2.23%	2.34%	2.20%	1.75%	2.31%	2.03%	2.50%	2.10%	2.04%	2.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FVD and COWZ in my portfolio?

FVD and COWZ have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FVD or COWZ?

COWZ has higher volatility (4.26%) compared to FVD (3.72%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FVD dropped -51.00% vs COWZ's -38.63%.

Which ETF is better, FVD or COWZ?

On 5-year performance, COWZ leads with 10.40% vs 6.42% for FVD. On fees, COWZ is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, FVD has been the lower-risk option at 3.72%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FVD or COWZ?

Over the 5-year period, COWZ has performed better with a 10.40% return vs 6.42%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FVD or COWZ?

COWZ is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.61% for FVD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FVD or COWZ?

FVD has the higher dividend yield at 2.28%, compared with 1.93% for COWZ.

What is the main difference between FVD and COWZ?

FVD tracks Value Line Dividend Index, while COWZ tracks Pacer US Cash Cows 100 Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.61% for FVD and 0.49% for COWZ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

COWZ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.28 vs 1.04), 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.