LVHI vs. GCOW

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

LVHI (Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF) and GCOW (Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - LVHI is a Volatility Hedged Equity fund tracking the Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Hedged Index-NR, while GCOW is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividends Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, LVHI returned 15.66%/yr vs 12.27%/yr for GCOW. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. LVHI charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for GCOW.

Performance

LVHI vs. GCOW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF (LVHI) 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, LVHI achieves a 13.06% return, which is significantly higher than GCOW's 11.34% return.

LVHI

• 1D: -0.63%
• 1M: 1.03%
• YTD: 13.06%
• 6M: 13.70%
• 1Y: 31.29%
• 3Y*: 21.07%
• 5Y*: 15.66%
• 10Y*: —

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%

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

LVHI vs. GCOW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
LVHI Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF	13.06%	27.12%	14.81%	17.45%	3.84%	18.19%	-8.76%	18.35%	-5.22%	12.26%
GCOW Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF	11.34%	27.34%	3.52%	13.95%	5.49%	14.58%	-4.33%	17.81%	-7.99%	20.71%

Correlation

The correlation between LVHI and GCOW is 0.78, 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	0.78
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.79
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 28, 2016	0.70

The correlation between LVHI and GCOW has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.70 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

LVHI vs. GCOW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	LVHI	GCOW
Financial Services	24.1%	-
Energy	16.6%	22.9%
Industrials	13.4%	12.6%
Utilities	10.0%	4.0%
Consumer Defensive	8.6%	17.0%
Healthcare	7.4%	14.8%
Basic Materials	6.8%	8.1%
Communication Services	5.8%	14.5%
Consumer Cyclical	5.5%	4.8%
Real Estate	1.8%	-
Technology	0.1%	1.3%

Return for Risk

LVHI vs. GCOW — Risk / Return Rank

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

LVHI

LVHI Risk / Return Rank: 93
LVHI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
LVHI Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
LVHI Omega Ratio Rank: 94
LVHI Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
LVHI Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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

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.

LVHI vs. GCOW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF (LVHI) 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.

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.

	LVHI	GCOW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.27	2.15	+1.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.48	3.10	+1.38
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.62	1.37	+0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.17	4.91	+0.27
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	21.39	12.49	+8.89

LVHI vs. GCOW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current LVHI Sharpe Ratio is 3.27, which is higher than the GCOW Sharpe Ratio of 2.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of LVHI 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.

Drawdowns

LVHI vs. GCOW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LVHI drawdown since its inception was -32.31%, smaller than the maximum GCOW drawdown of -37.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LVHI and GCOW.

Drawdown Indicators

	LVHI	GCOW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.31%	-37.64%	+5.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.08%	-4.77%	-1.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.99%	-12.35%	+0.36%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-11.99%	-21.48%	+9.49%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-37.64%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.63%	-3.46%	+2.83%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.51%	-5.83%	+2.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.47%	1.88%	-0.41%

Volatility

LVHI vs. GCOW - Volatility Comparison

Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF (LVHI) and Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF (GCOW) have volatilities of 2.83% and 2.74%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	LVHI	GCOW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.83%	2.74%	+0.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.76%	8.07%	-0.31%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.63%	10.92%	-1.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.09%	13.51%	-2.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.75%	16.18%	-2.43%

LVHI vs. GCOW - Expense Ratio Comparison

LVHI has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is lower than GCOW's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

LVHI vs. GCOW - Dividend Comparison

LVHI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.72%, which matches GCOW's 4.72% 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%
LVHI Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF	4.72%	4.92%	3.98%	8.12%	7.74%	4.13%	3.97%	6.67%	10.67%	3.38%	2.02%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LVHI and GCOW in my portfolio?

LVHI and GCOW have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, LVHI or GCOW?

LVHI has higher volatility (2.83%) compared to GCOW (2.74%). In terms of maximum drawdown, LVHI dropped -32.31% vs GCOW's -37.64%.

Which ETF is better, LVHI or GCOW?

On 5-year performance, LVHI leads with 15.66% vs 12.27% for GCOW. On fees, LVHI is cheaper at 0.40% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, LVHI or GCOW?

Over the 5-year period, LVHI has performed better with a 15.66% return vs 12.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, LVHI or GCOW?

LVHI is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for GCOW.

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

LVHI and GCOW have nearly identical dividend yields, around 4.72%.

What is the main difference between LVHI and GCOW?

LVHI is categorized as Volatility Hedged Equity, while GCOW is Large Cap Value Equities. LVHI tracks Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Hedged Index-NR, while GCOW tracks Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividends Index. They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for LVHI and 0.60% for GCOW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LVHI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.27 vs 2.15), 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.