PTEU vs. GCOW

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PTEU (Pacer Trendpilot European Index ETF) and GCOW (Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PTEU is a Europe Equities fund tracking the Pacer Trendpilot European Index, while GCOW is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividends Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PTEU returned 4.25%/yr vs 9.91%/yr for GCOW. A 0.55 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PTEU charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for GCOW.

Performance

PTEU vs. GCOW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer Trendpilot European Index ETF (PTEU) 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, PTEU achieves a 6.24% return, which is significantly lower than GCOW's 12.18% return. Over the past 10 years, PTEU has underperformed GCOW with an annualized return of 4.25%, while GCOW has yielded a comparatively higher 9.91% annualized 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%

GCOW

• 1D: -0.56%
• 1M: 0.09%
• YTD: 12.18%
• 6M: 13.23%
• 1Y: 27.12%
• 3Y*: 17.41%
• 5Y*: 12.34%
• 10Y*: 9.91%

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

PTEU vs. GCOW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PTEU Pacer Trendpilot European Index ETF	6.24%	30.80%	-0.50%	12.45%	-7.46%	13.43%	-19.41%	13.50%	-16.87%	28.91%
GCOW Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF	12.18%	27.34%	3.52%	13.95%	5.49%	14.58%	-4.33%	17.81%	-7.99%	20.71%

Correlation

The correlation between PTEU and GCOW is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.60
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.57
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.56
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 24, 2016	0.55

The correlation between PTEU and GCOW shifts across timeframes, from 0.49 (1 year) to 0.60 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

PTEU vs. GCOW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PTEU	GCOW
Financial Services	25.1%	-
Industrials	20.9%	12.4%
Technology	14.6%	0.9%
Consumer Cyclical	8.5%	4.6%
Utilities	7.1%	4.1%
Healthcare	5.7%	14.6%
Consumer Defensive	5.1%	17.1%
Basic Materials	4.2%	7.3%
Energy	4.0%	24.4%
Communication Services	3.6%	14.6%
Real Estate	1.2%	-

Return for Risk

PTEU vs. GCOW — 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

GCOW

GCOW Risk / Return Rank: 79
GCOW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
GCOW Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
GCOW Omega Ratio Rank: 72
GCOW Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
GCOW Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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. GCOW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Trendpilot European Index ETF (PTEU) 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.

	PTEU	GCOW	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.09	2.52	-1.43
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.60	3.63	-2.02
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.44	-0.24
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.43	5.71	-4.28
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	4.96	15.05	-10.09
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. GCOW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PTEU Sharpe Ratio is 1.09, which is lower than the GCOW Sharpe Ratio of 2.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PTEU 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	PTEU	GCOW	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.09	2.52	-1.43
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.48	0.92	-0.44
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.29	0.61	-0.32
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.29	0.59	-0.29

Drawdowns

PTEU vs. GCOW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PTEU drawdown since its inception was -35.45%, smaller than the maximum GCOW drawdown of -37.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PTEU and GCOW.

Drawdown Indicators

	PTEU	GCOW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.45%	-37.64%	+2.19%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.82%	-4.77%	-8.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.04%	-12.35%	-2.69%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.04%	-21.48%	+6.44%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.45%	-37.64%	+2.19%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.71%	-2.73%	+1.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.50%	-5.84%	-8.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.69%	1.81%	+1.88%

Volatility

PTEU vs. GCOW - Volatility Comparison

Pacer Trendpilot European Index ETF (PTEU) has a higher volatility of 6.12% compared to Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF (GCOW) at 2.85%. This indicates that PTEU's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GCOW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PTEU	GCOW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.12%	2.85%	+3.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.00%	7.99%	+6.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.85%	10.81%	+6.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.23%	13.49%	+1.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.58%	16.20%	-1.62%

PTEU vs. GCOW - Expense Ratio Comparison

PTEU has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than GCOW's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

PTEU vs. GCOW - Dividend Comparison

PTEU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.81%, less than GCOW's 4.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
GCOW Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF	4.43%	4.06%	5.14%	5.28%	4.39%	4.23%	4.12%	4.40%	3.94%	2.79%	1.95%
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%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PTEU and GCOW in my portfolio?

PTEU and GCOW have a correlation of 0.49, 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 GCOW?

PTEU has higher volatility (6.12%) compared to GCOW (2.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PTEU dropped -35.45% vs GCOW's -37.64%.

Which ETF is better, PTEU or GCOW?

On 10-year performance, GCOW leads with 9.91% vs 4.25% for PTEU. On fees, GCOW is cheaper at 0.60% per year. On volatility, GCOW has been the lower-risk option at 2.85%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PTEU or GCOW?

Over the 10-year period, GCOW has performed better with a 9.91% return vs 4.25%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PTEU or GCOW?

GCOW is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for PTEU.

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

GCOW has the higher dividend yield at 4.43%, compared with 1.81% for PTEU.

What is the main difference between PTEU and GCOW?

PTEU is categorized as Europe Equities, while GCOW is Large Cap Value Equities. PTEU tracks Pacer Trendpilot European Index, while GCOW tracks Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividends Index. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for PTEU and 0.60% for GCOW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GCOW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.52 vs 1.09), 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.