GCOW vs. JEPI

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

GCOW (Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF) and JEPI (JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GCOW is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividends Index, while JEPI is a Dividend fund actively managed by JPMorgan. GCOW is passively managed, while JEPI is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, GCOW returned 12.27%/yr vs 7.65%/yr for JEPI. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GCOW charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for JEPI.

Performance

GCOW vs. JEPI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF (GCOW) and JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (JEPI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GCOW achieves a 11.34% return, which is significantly higher than JEPI's 1.89% return.

GCOW

• 1D: -1.25%
• 1M: -1.16%
• YTD: 11.34%
• 6M: 11.61%
• 1Y: 23.30%
• 3Y*: 15.71%
• 5Y*: 12.27%
• 10Y*: 10.01%

JEPI

• 1D: 0.59%
• 1M: 1.56%
• YTD: 1.89%
• 6M: 1.70%
• 1Y: 8.98%
• 3Y*: 9.19%
• 5Y*: 7.65%
• 10Y*: —

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

GCOW vs. JEPI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
GCOW Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF	11.34%	27.34%	3.52%	13.95%	5.49%	14.58%	20.86%
JEPI JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF	1.89%	8.09%	12.57%	9.83%	-3.49%	21.52%	18.39%

Correlation

The correlation between GCOW and JEPI is 0.55, 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	0.55
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.57
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.61
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 21, 2020	0.61

The correlation between GCOW and JEPI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.55 to 0.61 - a consistent structural relationship.

GCOW vs. JEPI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GCOW	JEPI
Energy	22.9%	2.7%
Consumer Defensive	17.0%	8.1%
Healthcare	14.8%	12.0%
Communication Services	14.5%	6.2%
Industrials	12.6%	9.5%
Basic Materials	8.1%	1.6%
Consumer Cyclical	4.8%	10.1%
Utilities	4.0%	4.7%
Technology	1.3%	14.5%
Financial Services	-	7.4%
Real Estate	-	2.9%

Return for Risk

GCOW vs. JEPI — Risk / Return Rank

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

GCOW

GCOW Risk / Return Rank: 77
GCOW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
GCOW Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
GCOW Omega Ratio Rank: 70
GCOW Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
GCOW Martin Ratio Rank: 73

JEPI

JEPI Risk / Return Rank: 33
JEPI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
JEPI Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
JEPI Omega Ratio Rank: 33
JEPI Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
JEPI Martin Ratio Rank: 31

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.

GCOW vs. JEPI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF (GCOW) and JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (JEPI). 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.

	GCOW	JEPI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.15	1.13	+1.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.10	1.68	+1.42
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.21	+0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.91	1.35	+3.56
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.49	4.09	+8.41

GCOW vs. JEPI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GCOW Sharpe Ratio is 2.15, which is higher than the JEPI Sharpe Ratio of 1.13. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GCOW and JEPI, 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

GCOW vs. JEPI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GCOW drawdown since its inception was -37.64%, which is greater than JEPI's maximum drawdown of -13.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GCOW and JEPI.

Drawdown Indicators

	GCOW	JEPI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.64%	-13.71%	-23.93%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.77%	-6.68%	+1.91%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.35%	-13.26%	+0.91%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.48%	-13.71%	-7.77%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.64%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.46%	-3.18%	-0.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.83%	-2.13%	-3.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.88%	2.20%	-0.32%

Volatility

GCOW vs. JEPI - Volatility Comparison

Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF (GCOW) has a higher volatility of 2.74% compared to JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (JEPI) at 2.12%. This indicates that GCOW's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than JEPI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GCOW	JEPI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.74%	2.12%	+0.62%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.07%	6.23%	+1.84%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.92%	8.01%	+2.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.51%	11.08%	+2.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.18%	10.79%	+5.39%

GCOW vs. JEPI - Expense Ratio Comparison

GCOW has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than JEPI's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

GCOW vs. JEPI - Dividend Comparison

GCOW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.72%, less than JEPI's 8.13% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
GCOW Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF	4.72%	4.06%	5.14%	5.28%	4.39%	4.23%	4.12%	4.40%	3.94%	2.79%	1.95%
JEPI JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF	8.13%	8.25%	7.33%	8.40%	11.68%	6.59%	5.79%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GCOW and JEPI in my portfolio?

GCOW and JEPI have a correlation of 0.55, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GCOW or JEPI?

GCOW has higher volatility (2.74%) compared to JEPI (2.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GCOW dropped -37.64% vs JEPI's -13.71%.

Which ETF is better, GCOW or JEPI?

On 5-year performance, GCOW leads with 12.27% vs 7.65% for JEPI. On fees, JEPI is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, JEPI has been the lower-risk option at 2.12%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GCOW or JEPI?

Over the 5-year period, GCOW has performed better with a 12.27% return vs 7.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GCOW or JEPI?

JEPI is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for GCOW.

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

JEPI has the higher dividend yield at 8.13%, compared with 4.72% for GCOW.

What is the main difference between GCOW and JEPI?

GCOW is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while JEPI is Dividend. They also come from different issuers: Pacer and JPMorgan. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for GCOW and 0.35% for JEPI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GCOW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.15 vs 1.13), 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.