SAGP vs. COWZ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SAGP (Strategas Global Policy Opportunities ETF) and COWZ (Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SAGP is a Global Equities fund actively managed by Strategas, while COWZ is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Pacer US Cash Cows 100 Index. SAGP is actively managed, while COWZ is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, SAGP returned 13.97%/yr vs 12.38%/yr for COWZ. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SAGP charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for COWZ.

Performance

SAGP vs. COWZ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Strategas Global Policy Opportunities ETF (SAGP) and Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF (COWZ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SAGP achieves a 1.16% return, which is significantly lower than COWZ's 3.27% return.

SAGP

• 1D: -0.07%
• 1M: -2.65%
• YTD: 1.16%
• 6M: 0.31%
• 1Y: 10.33%
• 3Y*: 13.97%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

COWZ

• 1D: 0.59%
• 1M: -3.72%
• YTD: 3.27%
• 6M: 2.69%
• 1Y: 15.76%
• 3Y*: 12.38%
• 5Y*: 9.90%
• 10Y*: —

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

SAGP vs. COWZ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
SAGP Strategas Global Policy Opportunities ETF	1.16%	23.02%	12.03%	11.26%	-3.70%
COWZ Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF	3.27%	8.98%	10.64%	14.73%	1.94%

Correlation

The correlation between SAGP and COWZ is 0.68, 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	0.68
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 25, 2022	0.77

The correlation between SAGP and COWZ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.68 to 0.77 - a consistent structural relationship.

SAGP vs. COWZ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SAGP	COWZ
Healthcare	35.0%	21.8%
Industrials	25.3%	8.4%
Technology	13.7%	16.0%
Communication Services	6.1%	10.4%
Basic Materials	5.1%	3.7%
Consumer Defensive	4.6%	10.9%
Consumer Cyclical	4.5%	11.7%
Financial Services	3.5%	-
Energy	2.0%	16.9%
Real Estate	0.3%	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

SAGP vs. COWZ — Risk / Return Rank

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

SAGP

SAGP Risk / Return Rank: 24
SAGP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
SAGP Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
SAGP Omega Ratio Rank: 21
SAGP Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
SAGP Martin Ratio Rank: 25

COWZ

COWZ Risk / Return Rank: 45
COWZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
COWZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
COWZ Omega Ratio Rank: 39
COWZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
COWZ Martin Ratio Rank: 48

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.

SAGP vs. COWZ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Strategas Global Policy Opportunities ETF (SAGP) and Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF (COWZ). 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.

	SAGP	COWZ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.79	1.39	-0.60
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.22	2.05	-0.84
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.25	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.16	2.66	-1.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.09	7.92	-4.83

SAGP vs. COWZ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SAGP Sharpe Ratio is 0.79, which is lower than the COWZ Sharpe Ratio of 1.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SAGP and COWZ, 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

SAGP vs. COWZ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SAGP drawdown since its inception was -22.90%, smaller than the maximum COWZ drawdown of -38.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SAGP and COWZ.

Drawdown Indicators

	SAGP	COWZ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.90%	-38.63%	+15.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.90%	-5.95%	-2.95%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.52%	-22.00%	+9.48%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-22.00%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.96%	-5.40%	-1.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.03%	-4.80%	-0.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.35%	2.00%	+1.35%

Volatility

SAGP vs. COWZ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Strategas Global Policy Opportunities ETF (SAGP) is 2.98%, while Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF (COWZ) has a volatility of 3.97%. This indicates that SAGP experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than COWZ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SAGP	COWZ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.98%	3.97%	-0.99%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.92%	7.53%	+2.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.10%	11.38%	+1.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.49%	17.64%	-2.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.49%	19.90%	-4.41%

SAGP vs. COWZ - Expense Ratio Comparison

SAGP has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than COWZ's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

SAGP vs. COWZ - Dividend Comparison

SAGP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.41%, more than COWZ's 2.00% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
COWZ Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF	2.00%	2.19%	1.82%	1.92%	1.96%	1.48%	2.54%	1.96%	1.67%	1.95%	0.13%
SAGP Strategas Global Policy Opportunities ETF	3.41%	3.45%	2.23%	0.94%	0.51%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SAGP and COWZ in my portfolio?

SAGP and COWZ have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SAGP or COWZ?

COWZ has higher volatility (3.97%) compared to SAGP (2.98%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SAGP dropped -22.90% vs COWZ's -38.63%.

Which ETF is better, SAGP or COWZ?

On 3-year performance, SAGP leads with 13.97% vs 12.38% for COWZ. On fees, COWZ is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, SAGP has been the lower-risk option at 2.98%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SAGP or COWZ?

Over the 3-year period, SAGP has performed better with a 13.97% return vs 12.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SAGP or COWZ?

COWZ is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for SAGP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SAGP or COWZ?

SAGP has the higher dividend yield at 3.41%, compared with 2.00% for COWZ.

What is the main difference between SAGP and COWZ?

SAGP is categorized as Global Equities, while COWZ is Mid Cap Value Equities. They also come from different issuers: Strategas and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for SAGP and 0.49% for COWZ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

COWZ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.39 vs 0.79), 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.