PTIN vs. GCOW

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PTIN (Pacer Trendpilot International ETF) and GCOW (Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PTIN is a Diversified Portfolio fund tracking the Pacer Trendpilot International 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 5 years, PTIN returned 6.48%/yr vs 12.34%/yr for GCOW. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PTIN charges 0.66%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for GCOW.

Performance

PTIN vs. GCOW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer Trendpilot International ETF (PTIN) 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, PTIN achieves a 16.79% return, which is significantly higher than GCOW's 12.18% return.

PTIN

• 1D: -0.77%
• 1M: 6.96%
• YTD: 16.79%
• 6M: 19.03%
• 1Y: 33.04%
• 3Y*: 13.60%
• 5Y*: 6.48%
• 10Y*: —

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)

PTIN vs. GCOW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
PTIN Pacer Trendpilot International ETF	16.79%	16.17%	3.36%	16.04%	-15.98%	12.26%	-0.56%	6.80%
GCOW Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF	12.18%	27.34%	3.52%	13.95%	5.49%	14.58%	-4.33%	4.67%

Correlation

The correlation between PTIN and GCOW is 0.58, 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	0.58
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.63
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 6, 2019	0.64

The correlation between PTIN and GCOW has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.58 to 0.67 - a consistent structural relationship.

PTIN vs. GCOW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PTIN	GCOW
Financial Services	26.5%	-
Industrials	17.6%	12.4%
Technology	15.8%	0.9%
Healthcare	8.7%	14.6%
Consumer Cyclical	7.1%	4.6%
Basic Materials	6.1%	7.3%
Energy	5.7%	24.4%
Consumer Defensive	5.7%	17.1%
Communication Services	3.2%	14.6%
Utilities	2.6%	4.1%
Real Estate	1.0%	-

Return for Risk

PTIN vs. GCOW — Risk / Return Rank

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

PTIN

PTIN Risk / Return Rank: 60
PTIN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
PTIN Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
PTIN Omega Ratio Rank: 60
PTIN Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
PTIN Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

PTIN vs. GCOW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Trendpilot International ETF (PTIN) 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.

	PTIN	GCOW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.04	2.52	-0.48
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.80	3.63	-0.83
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.44	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.88	5.71	-2.84
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.99	15.05	-4.06
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PTIN vs. GCOW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PTIN Sharpe Ratio is 2.04, which is comparable to the GCOW Sharpe Ratio of 2.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PTIN 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

	PTIN	GCOW	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.04	2.52	-0.48
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.45	0.92	-0.47
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.61	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.52	0.59	-0.07

Drawdowns

PTIN vs. GCOW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PTIN drawdown since its inception was -21.27%, smaller than the maximum GCOW drawdown of -37.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PTIN and GCOW.

Drawdown Indicators

	PTIN	GCOW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.27%	-37.64%	+16.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.55%	-4.77%	-6.78%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.93%	-12.35%	-1.58%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.27%	-21.48%	+0.21%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-37.64%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.77%	-2.73%	+1.96%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.68%	-5.84%	-1.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.02%	1.81%	+1.21%

Volatility

PTIN vs. GCOW - Volatility Comparison

Pacer Trendpilot International ETF (PTIN) has a higher volatility of 5.75% compared to Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF (GCOW) at 2.85%. This indicates that PTIN'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

	PTIN	GCOW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.75%	2.85%	+2.90%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.85%	7.99%	+5.86%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.27%	10.81%	+5.46%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.39%	13.49%	+0.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.90%	16.20%	-2.30%

PTIN vs. GCOW - Expense Ratio Comparison

PTIN has a 0.66% expense ratio, which is higher than GCOW's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

PTIN vs. GCOW - Dividend Comparison

PTIN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.17%, 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%
PTIN Pacer Trendpilot International ETF	2.17%	2.53%	2.67%	2.09%	0.41%	2.38%	0.77%	0.97%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PTIN and GCOW in my portfolio?

PTIN and GCOW have a correlation of 0.58, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PTIN or GCOW?

PTIN has higher volatility (5.75%) compared to GCOW (2.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PTIN dropped -21.27% vs GCOW's -37.64%.

Which ETF is better, PTIN or GCOW?

On 5-year performance, GCOW leads with 12.34% vs 6.48% for PTIN. 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, PTIN or GCOW?

Over the 5-year period, GCOW has performed better with a 12.34% return vs 6.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PTIN or GCOW?

GCOW is cheaper with a 0.60% expense ratio, compared with 0.66% for PTIN.

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

GCOW has the higher dividend yield at 4.43%, compared with 2.17% for PTIN.

What is the main difference between PTIN and GCOW?

PTIN is categorized as Diversified Portfolio, while GCOW is Large Cap Value Equities. PTIN tracks Pacer Trendpilot International Index, while GCOW tracks Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividends Index. Their fees differ too: 0.66% for PTIN and 0.60% for GCOW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GCOW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.52 vs 2.04), 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.