MCOW vs. CTEF

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

MCOW (Pacer S&P MidCap 400 Quality FCF Aristocrats ETF) and CTEF (Castellan Targeted Equity ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. MCOW is passively managed, while CTEF is actively managed. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MCOW charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for CTEF.

Performance

MCOW vs. CTEF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer S&P MidCap 400 Quality FCF Aristocrats ETF (MCOW) and Castellan Targeted Equity ETF (CTEF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MCOW achieves a 5.86% return, which is significantly lower than CTEF's 25.60% return.

MCOW

• 1D: -3.02%
• 1M: 1.11%
• YTD: 5.86%
• 6M: 4.00%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CTEF

• 1D: -3.23%
• 1M: 2.27%
• YTD: 25.60%
• 6M: 26.09%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MCOW vs. CTEF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
MCOW Pacer S&P MidCap 400 Quality FCF Aristocrats ETF	5.86%	-3.62%
CTEF Castellan Targeted Equity ETF	25.60%	11.61%

Correlation

The correlation between MCOW and CTEF is 0.73, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 29, 2025	0.73

Return for Risk

MCOW vs. CTEF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer S&P MidCap 400 Quality FCF Aristocrats ETF (MCOW) and Castellan Targeted Equity ETF (CTEF). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	MCOW	CTEF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.15	3.23	-3.08

Drawdowns

MCOW vs. CTEF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MCOW drawdown since its inception was -15.02%, roughly equal to the maximum CTEF drawdown of -15.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MCOW and CTEF.

Drawdown Indicators

	MCOW	CTEF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.02%	-15.00%	-0.02%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.02%	-3.30%	+0.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.58%	-1.79%	-2.79%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	MCOW	CTEF	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.89%	22.00%	-4.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.89%	22.00%	-4.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.89%	22.00%	-4.11%

MCOW vs. CTEF - Expense Ratio Comparison

MCOW has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than CTEF's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

MCOW vs. CTEF - Dividend Comparison

MCOW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.22%, more than CTEF's 0.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
CTEF Castellan Targeted Equity ETF	0.06%	0.08%
MCOW Pacer S&P MidCap 400 Quality FCF Aristocrats ETF	0.22%	0.11%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MCOW and CTEF in my portfolio?

MCOW and CTEF have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, MCOW or CTEF?

On fees, CTEF is cheaper at 0.45% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, MCOW or CTEF?

CTEF is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for MCOW.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MCOW or CTEF?

MCOW has the higher dividend yield at 0.22%, compared with 0.06% for CTEF.

What is the main difference between MCOW and CTEF?

They also come from different issuers: Pacer and Castellan. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for MCOW and 0.45% for CTEF.