PTLC vs. GCOW

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PTLC (Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF) and GCOW (Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PTLC is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Pacer Trendpilot U.S. Large Cap 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, PTLC returned 11.26%/yr vs 9.91%/yr for GCOW. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.60% expense ratio.

Performance

PTLC vs. GCOW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF (PTLC) 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, PTLC achieves a 5.53% return, which is significantly lower than GCOW's 12.18% return. Over the past 10 years, PTLC has outperformed GCOW with an annualized return of 11.26%, while GCOW has yielded a comparatively lower 9.91% annualized return.

PTLC

• 1D: -0.74%
• 1M: 4.98%
• YTD: 5.53%
• 6M: 5.49%
• 1Y: 21.41%
• 3Y*: 14.93%
• 5Y*: 10.72%
• 10Y*: 11.26%

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)

PTLC vs. GCOW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PTLC Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF	5.53%	5.10%	24.31%	16.78%	-8.62%	27.90%	-1.15%	17.58%	1.49%	21.41%
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 PTLC and GCOW is 0.33, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.33
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.42
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.42
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.54
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 24, 2016	0.54

Over the past year, the correlation between PTLC and GCOW has dropped to 0.33 - well below their long-term average of 0.54, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

PTLC vs. GCOW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PTLC	GCOW
Technology	35.6%	0.9%
Financial Services	11.8%	-
Communication Services	11.2%	14.6%
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	4.6%
Healthcare	8.5%	14.6%
Industrials	8.3%	12.4%
Consumer Defensive	4.9%	17.1%
Energy	3.5%	24.4%
Utilities	2.3%	4.1%
Real Estate	1.9%	-
Basic Materials	1.8%	7.3%

Return for Risk

PTLC vs. GCOW — Risk / Return Rank

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

PTLC

PTLC Risk / Return Rank: 53
PTLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
PTLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
PTLC Omega Ratio Rank: 54
PTLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
PTLC Martin Ratio Rank: 56

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.

PTLC vs. GCOW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF (PTLC) 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.

	PTLC	GCOW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.91	2.52	-0.61
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.55	3.63	-1.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.44	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.45	5.71	-3.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.71	15.05	-5.34
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PTLC vs. GCOW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PTLC Sharpe Ratio is 1.91, which is comparable to the GCOW Sharpe Ratio of 2.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PTLC 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

	PTLC	GCOW	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.91	2.52	-0.61
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92	0.92	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.86	0.61	+0.24
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.70	0.59	+0.12

Drawdowns

PTLC vs. GCOW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PTLC drawdown since its inception was -26.63%, smaller than the maximum GCOW drawdown of -37.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PTLC and GCOW.

Drawdown Indicators

	PTLC	GCOW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-26.63%	-37.64%	+11.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.77%	-4.77%	-4.00%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.17%	-12.35%	-2.82%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.17%	-21.48%	+6.31%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-26.63%	-37.64%	+11.01%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.74%	-2.73%	+1.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.64%	-5.84%	+0.20%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.21%	1.81%	+0.40%

Volatility

PTLC vs. GCOW - Volatility Comparison

Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF (PTLC) and Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF (GCOW) have volatilities of 2.88% and 2.85%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PTLC	GCOW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.88%	2.85%	+0.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.15%	7.99%	+0.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.27%	10.81%	+0.46%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.73%	13.49%	-1.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.17%	16.20%	-3.03%

PTLC vs. GCOW - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both PTLC and GCOW have an expense ratio of 0.60%.

Dividends

PTLC vs. GCOW - Dividend Comparison

PTLC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.01%, less than GCOW's 4.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%	0.00%
PTLC Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF	1.01%	1.06%	0.67%	1.18%	1.26%	0.73%	1.08%	1.10%	1.00%	0.97%	1.08%	0.42%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PTLC and GCOW in my portfolio?

PTLC and GCOW have a correlation of 0.33, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PTLC or GCOW?

PTLC has higher volatility (2.88%) compared to GCOW (2.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PTLC dropped -26.63% vs GCOW's -37.64%.

Which ETF is better, PTLC or GCOW?

On 10-year performance, PTLC leads with 11.26% vs 9.91% for GCOW. Both ETFs have the same 0.60% expense ratio. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PTLC or GCOW?

Over the 10-year period, PTLC has performed better with a 11.26% return vs 9.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PTLC or GCOW?

PTLC and GCOW have the same expense ratio: 0.60% per year.

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

GCOW has the higher dividend yield at 4.43%, compared with 1.01% for PTLC.

What is the main difference between PTLC and GCOW?

PTLC is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while GCOW is Large Cap Value Equities. PTLC tracks Pacer Trendpilot U.S. Large Cap Index, while GCOW tracks Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividends Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GCOW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.52 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.