QSIX vs. COWG

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

QSIX (Pacer Metarus Nasdaq 100 Dividend Multiplier 600 ETF) and COWG (Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QSIX is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the Nasdaq-100 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 year, QSIX returned 32.02% vs 10.41% for COWG. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. QSIX charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for COWG.

Performance

QSIX vs. COWG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer Metarus Nasdaq 100 Dividend Multiplier 600 ETF (QSIX) 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, QSIX achieves a 15.33% return, which is significantly higher than COWG's 7.76% return.

QSIX

• 1D: -2.89%
• 1M: -0.31%
• YTD: 15.33%
• 6M: 13.92%
• 1Y: 32.02%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

COWG

• 1D: -2.57%
• 1M: -0.91%
• YTD: 7.76%
• 6M: 5.91%
• 1Y: 10.41%
• 3Y*: 22.71%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QSIX vs. COWG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
QSIX Pacer Metarus Nasdaq 100 Dividend Multiplier 600 ETF	15.33%	18.54%	4.81%
COWG Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF	7.76%	10.24%	12.21%

Correlation

The correlation between QSIX and COWG is 0.85, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 24, 2024	0.84

The correlation between QSIX and COWG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.85 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

QSIX vs. COWG — Risk / Return Rank

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

QSIX

QSIX Risk / Return Rank: 64
QSIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
QSIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
QSIX Omega Ratio Rank: 62
QSIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
QSIX Martin Ratio Rank: 66

COWG

COWG Risk / Return Rank: 20
COWG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
COWG Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
COWG Omega Ratio Rank: 18
COWG Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
COWG Martin Ratio Rank: 23

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.

QSIX vs. COWG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Metarus Nasdaq 100 Dividend Multiplier 600 ETF (QSIX) 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.

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.

	QSIX	COWG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.96	0.61	+1.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.60	0.93	+1.67
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.12	+0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.91	0.97	+1.94
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.01	2.81	+8.20

QSIX vs. COWG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QSIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.96, which is higher than the COWG Sharpe Ratio of 0.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QSIX 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.

Drawdowns

QSIX vs. COWG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QSIX drawdown since its inception was -20.72%, smaller than the maximum COWG drawdown of -23.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QSIX and COWG.

Drawdown Indicators

	QSIX	COWG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.72%	-23.60%	+2.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.05%	-10.79%	-0.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-23.60%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.91%	-4.21%	+0.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.05%	-3.27%	+0.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.92%	3.72%	-0.80%

Volatility

QSIX vs. COWG - Volatility Comparison

Pacer Metarus Nasdaq 100 Dividend Multiplier 600 ETF (QSIX) has a higher volatility of 8.16% compared to Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF (COWG) at 7.27%. This indicates that QSIX'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

	QSIX	COWG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.16%	7.27%	+0.89%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.28%	13.29%	-0.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.41%	17.03%	-0.62%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.76%	19.27%	+0.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.76%	19.27%	+0.49%

QSIX vs. COWG - Expense Ratio Comparison

QSIX has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than COWG's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

QSIX vs. COWG - Dividend Comparison

QSIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.96%, more than COWG's 0.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
COWG Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF	0.37%	0.32%	0.40%	0.47%
QSIX Pacer Metarus Nasdaq 100 Dividend Multiplier 600 ETF	3.96%	4.02%	1.07%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QSIX and COWG in my portfolio?

QSIX and COWG have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QSIX or COWG?

QSIX has higher volatility (8.16%) compared to COWG (7.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QSIX dropped -20.72% vs COWG's -23.60%.

Which ETF is better, QSIX or COWG?

On 1-year performance, QSIX leads with 32.02% vs 10.41% for COWG. On fees, COWG is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, COWG has been the lower-risk option at 7.27%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QSIX or COWG?

Over the 1-year period, QSIX has performed better with a 32.02% return vs 10.41%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QSIX or COWG?

COWG is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for QSIX.

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

QSIX has the higher dividend yield at 3.96%, compared with 0.37% for COWG.

What is the main difference between QSIX and COWG?

QSIX is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while COWG is Mid Cap Growth Equities. QSIX tracks Nasdaq-100 Index, while COWG tracks Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders Index. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for QSIX and 0.49% for COWG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QSIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.96 vs 0.61), 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.