GMOI vs. ICOW

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

GMOI (GMO International Value ETF) and ICOW (Pacer Developed Markets International Cash Cows 100 ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds - GMOI tracks the MSCI World ex USA Value while ICOW tracks the Pacer Developed Markets International Cash Cows 100 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, GMOI returned 34.93% vs 33.96% for ICOW. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GMOI charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for ICOW.

Performance

GMOI vs. ICOW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in GMO International Value ETF (GMOI) and Pacer Developed Markets International Cash Cows 100 ETF (ICOW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GMOI achieves a 11.76% return, which is significantly lower than ICOW's 13.55% return.

GMOI

• 1D: -1.93%
• 1M: -1.37%
• YTD: 11.76%
• 6M: 15.15%
• 1Y: 34.93%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ICOW

• 1D: -3.24%
• 1M: -2.55%
• YTD: 13.55%
• 6M: 14.06%
• 1Y: 33.96%
• 3Y*: 18.66%
• 5Y*: 9.33%
• 10Y*: —

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

GMOI vs. ICOW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
GMOI GMO International Value ETF	11.76%	45.64%	-4.57%
ICOW Pacer Developed Markets International Cash Cows 100 ETF	13.55%	36.95%	-3.56%

Correlation

The correlation between GMOI and ICOW is 0.84, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 30, 2024	0.86

The correlation between GMOI and ICOW has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.86 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

GMOI vs. ICOW — Risk / Return Rank

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

GMOI

GMOI Risk / Return Rank: 83
GMOI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
GMOI Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
GMOI Omega Ratio Rank: 81
GMOI Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
GMOI Martin Ratio Rank: 84

ICOW

ICOW Risk / Return Rank: 78
ICOW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
ICOW Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
ICOW Omega Ratio Rank: 75
ICOW Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
ICOW Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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.

GMOI vs. ICOW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for GMO International Value ETF (GMOI) and Pacer Developed Markets International Cash Cows 100 ETF (ICOW). 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.

	GMOI	ICOW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.64	2.42	+0.22
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.61	3.12	+0.49
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.43	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.20	4.26	-0.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.57	15.12	+1.45
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GMOI vs. ICOW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GMOI Sharpe Ratio is 2.64, which is comparable to the ICOW Sharpe Ratio of 2.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GMOI and ICOW, 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

	GMOI	ICOW	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.64	2.42	+0.22
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.56	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.05	0.53	+1.52

Drawdowns

GMOI vs. ICOW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GMOI drawdown since its inception was -14.67%, smaller than the maximum ICOW drawdown of -43.49%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GMOI and ICOW.

Drawdown Indicators

	GMOI	ICOW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.67%	-43.49%	+28.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.36%	-8.02%	-0.34%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-14.81%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-28.48%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.11%	-3.85%	+1.74%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.70%	-7.58%	+5.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.11%	2.25%	-0.14%

Volatility

GMOI vs. ICOW - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for GMO International Value ETF (GMOI) is 3.90%, while Pacer Developed Markets International Cash Cows 100 ETF (ICOW) has a volatility of 5.15%. This indicates that GMOI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ICOW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GMOI	ICOW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.90%	5.15%	-1.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.49%	11.10%	-0.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.31%	14.12%	-0.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.64%	16.70%	-1.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.64%	18.49%	-2.85%

GMOI vs. ICOW - Expense Ratio Comparison

GMOI has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than ICOW's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

GMOI vs. ICOW - Dividend Comparison

GMOI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.45%, more than ICOW's 2.25% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GMOI GMO International Value ETF	2.45%	2.74%	0.54%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
ICOW Pacer Developed Markets International Cash Cows 100 ETF	2.25%	3.03%	4.39%	3.61%	5.26%	2.11%	2.46%	3.10%	2.61%	0.80%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GMOI and ICOW in my portfolio?

GMOI and ICOW have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GMOI or ICOW?

ICOW has higher volatility (5.15%) compared to GMOI (3.90%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GMOI dropped -14.67% vs ICOW's -43.49%.

Which ETF is better, GMOI or ICOW?

On 1-year performance, GMOI leads with 34.93% vs 33.96% for ICOW. On fees, GMOI is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, GMOI has been the lower-risk option at 3.90%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GMOI or ICOW?

Over the 1-year period, GMOI has performed better with a 34.93% return vs 33.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GMOI or ICOW?

GMOI is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for ICOW.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GMOI or ICOW?

GMOI has the higher dividend yield at 2.45%, compared with 2.25% for ICOW.

What is the main difference between GMOI and ICOW?

GMOI tracks MSCI World ex USA Value, while ICOW tracks Pacer Developed Markets International Cash Cows 100 Index. They also come from different issuers: GMO and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for GMOI and 0.65% for ICOW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GMOI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.64 vs 2.42), 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.