MCOW vs. OPTZ

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

MCOW (Pacer S&P MidCap 400 Quality FCF Aristocrats ETF) and OPTZ (Optimize Strategy Index ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds - MCOW tracks the S&P MidCap 400 Quality FCF Aristocrats Index while OPTZ tracks the Optimize Strategy Index. Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MCOW charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for OPTZ.

Performance

MCOW vs. OPTZ - 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 Optimize Strategy Index ETF (OPTZ). 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 OPTZ's 24.33% return.

MCOW

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

OPTZ

• 1D: -5.23%
• 1M: 2.49%
• YTD: 24.33%
• 6M: 24.28%
• 1Y: 53.21%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MCOW vs. OPTZ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
MCOW Pacer S&P MidCap 400 Quality FCF Aristocrats ETF	5.86%	-3.62%
OPTZ Optimize Strategy Index ETF	24.33%	5.47%

Correlation

The correlation between MCOW and OPTZ is 0.85, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 29, 2025	0.85

Return for Risk

MCOW vs. OPTZ — Risk / Return Rank

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

OPTZ

OPTZ Risk / Return Rank: 88
OPTZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
OPTZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
OPTZ Omega Ratio Rank: 84
OPTZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
OPTZ Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

MCOW vs. OPTZ - 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 Optimize Strategy Index ETF (OPTZ). 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	OPTZ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.84	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.15	1.51	-1.36

Drawdowns

MCOW vs. OPTZ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MCOW drawdown since its inception was -15.02%, smaller than the maximum OPTZ drawdown of -25.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MCOW and OPTZ.

Drawdown Indicators

	MCOW	OPTZ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.02%	-25.75%	+10.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-10.63%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.02%	-5.46%	+2.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.58%	-3.39%	-1.19%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.36%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	MCOW	OPTZ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	8.20%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	14.62%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.89%	18.85%	-0.96%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.89%	20.95%	-3.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.89%	20.95%	-3.06%

MCOW vs. OPTZ - Expense Ratio Comparison

MCOW has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than OPTZ's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

MCOW vs. OPTZ - Dividend Comparison

MCOW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.22%, less than OPTZ's 0.47% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
MCOW Pacer S&P MidCap 400 Quality FCF Aristocrats ETF	0.22%	0.11%	0.00%
OPTZ Optimize Strategy Index ETF	0.47%	0.58%	0.32%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MCOW and OPTZ in my portfolio?

MCOW and OPTZ have a correlation of 0.85, 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 OPTZ?

On fees, OPTZ is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, MCOW or OPTZ?

OPTZ is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for MCOW.

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

OPTZ has the higher dividend yield at 0.47%, compared with 0.22% for MCOW.

What is the main difference between MCOW and OPTZ?

MCOW tracks S&P MidCap 400 Quality FCF Aristocrats Index, while OPTZ tracks Optimize Strategy Index. They also come from different issuers: Pacer and Optimize. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for MCOW and 0.25% for OPTZ.