PTEU vs. COWG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PTEU (Pacer Trendpilot European Index ETF) and COWG (Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PTEU is a Europe Equities fund tracking the Pacer Trendpilot European Index, while COWG is a Mid Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, PTEU returned 10.93%/yr vs 24.53%/yr for COWG. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PTEU charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for COWG.

Performance

PTEU vs. COWG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer Trendpilot European Index ETF (PTEU) and Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF (COWG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PTEU achieves a 6.24% return, which is significantly lower than COWG's 12.50% return.

PTEU

• 1D: -0.68%
• 1M: 4.65%
• YTD: 6.24%
• 6M: 8.48%
• 1Y: 18.27%
• 3Y*: 10.93%
• 5Y*: 7.24%
• 10Y*: 4.25%

COWG

• 1D: 0.07%
• 1M: 8.17%
• YTD: 12.50%
• 6M: 12.76%
• 1Y: 13.36%
• 3Y*: 24.53%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PTEU vs. COWG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
PTEU Pacer Trendpilot European Index ETF	6.24%	30.80%	-0.50%	12.45%	0.57%
COWG Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF	12.50%	10.24%	34.99%	20.69%	-0.68%

Correlation

The correlation between PTEU and COWG is 0.63, 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	0.63
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.57
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 23, 2022	0.59

The correlation between PTEU and COWG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.57 to 0.63 - a consistent structural relationship.

PTEU vs. COWG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PTEU	COWG
Financial Services	25.1%	-
Industrials	20.9%	3.6%
Technology	14.6%	48.5%
Consumer Cyclical	8.5%	3.2%
Utilities	7.1%	1.5%
Healthcare	5.7%	21.0%
Consumer Defensive	5.1%	2.0%
Basic Materials	4.2%	6.5%
Energy	4.0%	8.4%
Communication Services	3.6%	5.2%
Real Estate	1.2%	-

Return for Risk

PTEU vs. COWG — Risk / Return Rank

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

PTEU

PTEU Risk / Return Rank: 30
PTEU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
PTEU Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
PTEU Omega Ratio Rank: 29
PTEU Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
PTEU Martin Ratio Rank: 33

COWG

COWG Risk / Return Rank: 24
COWG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
COWG Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
COWG Omega Ratio Rank: 22
COWG Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
COWG Martin Ratio Rank: 26

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.

PTEU vs. COWG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Trendpilot European Index ETF (PTEU) and Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF (COWG). 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.

	PTEU	COWG	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.09	0.84	+0.25
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.60	1.24	+0.36
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.15	+0.05
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.43	1.24	+0.19
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	4.96	3.64	+1.32
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PTEU vs. COWG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PTEU Sharpe Ratio is 1.09, which is comparable to the COWG Sharpe Ratio of 0.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PTEU and COWG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	PTEU	COWG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.09	0.84	+0.25
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.48	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.29	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.29	1.18	-0.89

Drawdowns

PTEU vs. COWG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PTEU drawdown since its inception was -35.45%, which is greater than COWG's maximum drawdown of -23.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PTEU and COWG.

Drawdown Indicators

	PTEU	COWG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.45%	-23.60%	-11.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.82%	-10.79%	-2.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.04%	-23.60%	+8.56%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.04%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.45%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.71%	0.00%	-1.71%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.50%	-3.28%	-11.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.69%	3.67%	+0.02%

Volatility

PTEU vs. COWG - Volatility Comparison

Pacer Trendpilot European Index ETF (PTEU) has a higher volatility of 6.12% compared to Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF (COWG) at 3.67%. This indicates that PTEU's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than COWG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PTEU	COWG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.12%	3.67%	+2.45%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.00%	12.01%	+1.99%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.85%	15.96%	+0.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.23%	19.11%	-3.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.58%	19.11%	-4.53%

PTEU vs. COWG - Expense Ratio Comparison

PTEU has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than COWG's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

PTEU vs. COWG - Dividend Comparison

PTEU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.81%, more than COWG's 0.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
COWG Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF	0.30%	0.32%	0.40%	0.47%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
PTEU Pacer Trendpilot European Index ETF	1.81%	1.92%	3.49%	2.74%	0.69%	1.55%	0.00%	3.43%	1.86%	0.60%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PTEU and COWG in my portfolio?

PTEU and COWG have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PTEU or COWG?

PTEU has higher volatility (6.12%) compared to COWG (3.67%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PTEU dropped -35.45% vs COWG's -23.60%.

Which ETF is better, PTEU or COWG?

On 3-year performance, COWG leads with 24.53% vs 10.93% for PTEU. On fees, COWG is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, COWG has been the lower-risk option at 3.67%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PTEU or COWG?

Over the 3-year period, COWG has performed better with a 24.53% return vs 10.93%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PTEU or COWG?

COWG is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for PTEU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PTEU or COWG?

PTEU has the higher dividend yield at 1.81%, compared with 0.30% for COWG.

What is the main difference between PTEU and COWG?

PTEU is categorized as Europe Equities, while COWG is Mid Cap Growth Equities. PTEU tracks Pacer Trendpilot European Index, while COWG tracks Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders Index. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for PTEU and 0.49% for COWG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PTEU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.09 vs 0.84), 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.