IVV vs. COWZ

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

IVV (iShares Core S&P 500 ETF) and COWZ (Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IVV is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index, while COWZ is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Pacer US Cash Cows 100 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, IVV returned 13.42%/yr vs 10.13%/yr for COWZ. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IVV charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for COWZ.

Performance

IVV vs. COWZ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) 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, IVV achieves a 9.08% return, which is significantly higher than COWZ's 6.93% return.

IVV

• 1D: 0.55%
• 1M: -0.85%
• YTD: 9.08%
• 6M: 9.43%
• 1Y: 25.77%
• 3Y*: 20.95%
• 5Y*: 13.42%
• 10Y*: 15.47%

COWZ

• 1D: 0.82%
• 1M: 1.75%
• YTD: 6.93%
• 6M: 6.01%
• 1Y: 19.20%
• 3Y*: 13.01%
• 5Y*: 10.13%
• 10Y*: —

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

IVV vs. COWZ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IVV iShares Core S&P 500 ETF	9.08%	17.85%	24.93%	26.31%	-18.16%	28.76%	18.40%	31.07%	-4.49%	21.75%
COWZ Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF	6.93%	8.98%	10.64%	14.73%	0.19%	42.57%	11.65%	23.41%	-10.05%	20.22%

Correlation

The correlation between IVV and COWZ 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	0.63
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 19, 2016	0.76

Over the past year, the correlation between IVV and COWZ has dropped to 0.55 - well below their long-term average of 0.76, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

IVV vs. COWZ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IVV	COWZ
Technology	39.0%	16.0%
Financial Services	11.1%	-
Communication Services	10.6%	10.4%
Consumer Cyclical	9.9%	11.7%
Healthcare	8.3%	21.8%
Industrials	7.8%	8.4%
Consumer Defensive	4.5%	10.9%
Energy	3.1%	16.9%
Utilities	2.1%	-
Real Estate	1.8%	-
Basic Materials	1.7%	3.7%

Return for Risk

IVV vs. COWZ — Risk / Return Rank

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

IVV

IVV Risk / Return Rank: 70
IVV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
IVV Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
IVV Omega Ratio Rank: 71
IVV Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
IVV Martin Ratio Rank: 76

COWZ

COWZ Risk / Return Rank: 62
COWZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
COWZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
COWZ Omega Ratio Rank: 52
COWZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
COWZ Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

IVV vs. COWZ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) 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.

	IVV	COWZ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.00	1.63	+0.36
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.70	2.42	+0.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.29	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.76	3.65	-0.89
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.43	9.73	+2.70

IVV vs. COWZ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IVV Sharpe Ratio is 2.00, which is comparable to the COWZ Sharpe Ratio of 1.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IVV 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

IVV vs. COWZ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IVV drawdown since its inception was -55.25%, which is greater than COWZ's maximum drawdown of -38.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IVV and COWZ.

Drawdown Indicators

	IVV	COWZ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.25%	-38.63%	-16.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.89%	-5.00%	-3.89%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.75%	-22.00%	+3.25%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.53%	-22.00%	-2.53%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.90%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.35%	-2.05%	-0.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.77%	-4.80%	-5.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.97%	1.88%	+0.09%

Volatility

IVV vs. COWZ - Volatility Comparison

iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) has a higher volatility of 4.37% compared to Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF (COWZ) at 3.27%. This indicates that IVV's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than COWZ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IVV	COWZ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.37%	3.27%	+1.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.59%	7.20%	+2.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.28%	11.19%	+1.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.95%	17.64%	-0.69%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.08%	19.91%	-1.83%

IVV vs. COWZ - Expense Ratio Comparison

IVV has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than COWZ's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

IVV vs. COWZ - Dividend Comparison

IVV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.08%, less 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%
IVV iShares Core S&P 500 ETF	1.08%	1.17%	1.30%	1.44%	1.66%	1.20%	1.57%	1.85%	2.21%	1.75%	2.01%	2.27%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IVV and COWZ in my portfolio?

IVV and COWZ 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, IVV or COWZ?

IVV has higher volatility (4.37%) compared to COWZ (3.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IVV dropped -55.25% vs COWZ's -38.63%.

Which ETF is better, IVV or COWZ?

On 5-year performance, IVV leads with 13.42% vs 10.13% for COWZ. On fees, IVV is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, COWZ has been the lower-risk option at 3.27%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IVV or COWZ?

Over the 5-year period, IVV has performed better with a 13.42% return vs 10.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IVV or COWZ?

IVV is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for COWZ.

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

COWZ has the higher dividend yield at 1.93%, compared with 1.08% for IVV.

What is the main difference between IVV and COWZ?

IVV is categorized as S&P 500, while COWZ is Mid Cap Value Equities. IVV tracks S&P 500 Index, while COWZ tracks Pacer US Cash Cows 100 Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for IVV and 0.49% for COWZ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IVV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.00 vs 1.63), 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.