PSMD vs. GCOW

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PSMD (Pacer Swan SOS Moderate (December) ETF) and GCOW (Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PSMD is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Pacer, while GCOW is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividends Index. PSMD is actively managed, while GCOW is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, PSMD returned 8.98%/yr vs 11.72%/yr for GCOW. A 0.53 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PSMD charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for GCOW.

Performance

PSMD vs. GCOW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer Swan SOS Moderate (December) ETF (PSMD) 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, PSMD achieves a 4.91% return, which is significantly lower than GCOW's 7.34% return.

PSMD

• 1D: -0.51%
• 1M: -0.09%
• YTD: 4.91%
• 6M: 5.01%
• 1Y: 13.69%
• 3Y*: 12.16%
• 5Y*: 8.98%
• 10Y*: —

GCOW

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: -6.00%
• YTD: 7.34%
• 6M: 7.32%
• 1Y: 21.14%
• 3Y*: 15.59%
• 5Y*: 11.72%
• 10Y*: 9.95%

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

PSMD vs. GCOW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
PSMD Pacer Swan SOS Moderate (December) ETF	4.91%	11.45%	12.78%	17.46%	-4.47%	11.23%	0.55%
GCOW Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF	7.34%	27.34%	3.52%	13.95%	5.49%	14.58%	1.09%

Correlation

The correlation between PSMD and GCOW is 0.26, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.26
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.40
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.52
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 23, 2020	0.53

Over the past year, the correlation between PSMD and GCOW has dropped to 0.26 - well below their long-term average of 0.53, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

PSMD vs. GCOW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PSMD	GCOW
Technology	34.1%	1.3%
Financial Services	12.6%	-
Communication Services	11.2%	14.5%
Consumer Cyclical	10.6%	4.8%
Healthcare	9.4%	14.8%
Industrials	8.0%	12.6%
Consumer Defensive	5.0%	17.0%
Energy	3.2%	22.9%
Utilities	2.3%	4.0%
Real Estate	1.9%	-
Basic Materials	1.8%	8.1%

Return for Risk

PSMD vs. GCOW — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSMD

PSMD Risk / Return Rank: 81
PSMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
PSMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
PSMD Omega Ratio Rank: 87
PSMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
PSMD Martin Ratio Rank: 84

GCOW

GCOW Risk / Return Rank: 60
GCOW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
GCOW Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
GCOW Omega Ratio Rank: 56
GCOW Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
GCOW Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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.

PSMD vs. GCOW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Swan SOS Moderate (December) ETF (PSMD) 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.

	PSMD	GCOW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.40	1.91	+0.49
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.55	2.74	+0.80
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.49	1.33	+0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.11	3.06	+0.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.22	10.42	+5.80

PSMD vs. GCOW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSMD Sharpe Ratio is 2.40, which is comparable to the GCOW Sharpe Ratio of 1.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSMD 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

PSMD vs. GCOW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSMD drawdown since its inception was -11.96%, smaller than the maximum GCOW drawdown of -37.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSMD and GCOW.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSMD	GCOW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.96%	-37.64%	+25.68%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.42%	-6.93%	+2.51%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.70%	-12.35%	+1.65%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-11.96%	-21.48%	+9.52%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-37.64%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.73%	-6.93%	+6.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.65%	-5.83%	+4.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.85%	2.03%	-1.18%

Volatility

PSMD vs. GCOW - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Pacer Swan SOS Moderate (December) ETF (PSMD) is 1.93%, while Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF (GCOW) has a volatility of 2.89%. This indicates that PSMD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GCOW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PSMD	GCOW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.93%	2.89%	-0.96%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.78%	8.29%	-3.51%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.75%	11.09%	-5.34%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.63%	13.50%	-4.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.47%	16.03%	-7.56%

PSMD vs. GCOW - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSMD has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than GCOW's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSMD vs. GCOW - Dividend Comparison

PSMD has not paid dividends to shareholders, while GCOW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.90%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
GCOW Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF	4.90%	4.06%	5.14%	5.28%	4.39%	4.23%	4.12%	4.40%	3.94%	2.79%	1.95%
PSMD Pacer Swan SOS Moderate (December) ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.47%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSMD and GCOW in my portfolio?

PSMD and GCOW have a correlation of 0.26, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PSMD or GCOW?

GCOW has higher volatility (2.89%) compared to PSMD (1.93%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSMD dropped -11.96% vs GCOW's -37.64%.

Which ETF is better, PSMD or GCOW?

On 5-year performance, GCOW leads with 11.72% vs 8.98% for PSMD. On fees, GCOW is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, PSMD has been the lower-risk option at 1.93%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PSMD or GCOW?

Over the 5-year period, GCOW has performed better with a 11.72% return vs 8.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PSMD or GCOW?

GCOW is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for PSMD.

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

GCOW has the higher dividend yield at 4.90%, compared with 0.00% for PSMD.

What is the main difference between PSMD and GCOW?

PSMD is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while GCOW is Large Cap Value Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for PSMD and 0.60% for GCOW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PSMD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.40 vs 1.91), 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.