SCHE vs. ECOW

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

SCHE (Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and ECOW (Pacer Emerging Markets Cash Cows 100 ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - SCHE tracks the FTSE Emerging Index while ECOW tracks the Pacer Emerging Markets Cash Cows 100 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SCHE returned 5.05%/yr vs 6.97%/yr for ECOW. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SCHE charges 0.11%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for ECOW.

Performance

SCHE vs. ECOW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SCHE) and Pacer Emerging Markets Cash Cows 100 ETF (ECOW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SCHE achieves a 8.10% return, which is significantly lower than ECOW's 12.32% return.

SCHE

• 1D: -1.53%
• 1M: -2.55%
• 6M: 3.70%
• YTD: 8.10%
• 1Y: 18.10%
• 3Y*: 15.41%
• 5Y*: 5.05%
• 10Y*: 7.82%

ECOW

• 1D: -0.38%
• 1M: 2.37%
• 6M: 7.89%
• YTD: 12.32%
• 1Y: 29.21%
• 3Y*: 17.01%
• 5Y*: 6.97%
• 10Y*: —

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

SCHE vs. ECOW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
SCHE Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF	8.10%	26.54%	10.60%	8.93%	-17.84%	-0.65%	14.49%	5.28%
ECOW Pacer Emerging Markets Cash Cows 100 ETF	12.32%	32.50%	3.17%	15.79%	-19.28%	7.47%	-2.51%	10.37%

Correlation

The correlation between SCHE and ECOW is 0.77, 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	0.77
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.82
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 6, 2019	0.72

The correlation between SCHE and ECOW shifts across timeframes, from 0.72 (all time) to 0.82 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SCHE vs. ECOW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SCHE	ECOW
Technology	33.7%	6.8%
Financial Services	20.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	9.6%	14.7%
Basic Materials	7.5%	11.1%
Communication Services	7.1%	12.8%
Industrials	6.7%	9.3%
Energy	4.4%	8.6%
Consumer Defensive	3.4%	13.1%
Healthcare	3.2%	3.6%
Utilities	2.8%	7.2%
Real Estate	1.6%	-

Return for Risk

SCHE vs. ECOW — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCHE

SCHE Risk / Return Rank: 36
SCHE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
SCHE Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
SCHE Omega Ratio Rank: 34
SCHE Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
SCHE Martin Ratio Rank: 42

ECOW

ECOW Risk / Return Rank: 77
ECOW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
ECOW Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
ECOW Omega Ratio Rank: 76
ECOW Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
ECOW Martin Ratio Rank: 69

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.

SCHE vs. ECOW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SCHE) and Pacer Emerging Markets Cash Cows 100 ETF (ECOW). 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.

	SCHE	ECOW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.03	1.98	-0.95
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.49	2.69	-1.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.35	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.61	3.52	-1.91
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.47	9.54	-4.07

SCHE vs. ECOW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCHE Sharpe Ratio is 1.03, which is lower than the ECOW Sharpe Ratio of 1.98. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCHE and ECOW, 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

SCHE vs. ECOW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCHE drawdown since its inception was -36.20%, smaller than the maximum ECOW drawdown of -40.27%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCHE and ECOW.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCHE	ECOW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.20%	-40.27%	+4.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.29%	-8.35%	-2.94%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.08%	-18.77%	+1.69%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.38%	-33.30%	+1.92%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.20%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.93%	-4.20%	-0.73%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.53%	-10.97%	-1.56%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.32%	3.07%	+0.25%

Volatility

SCHE vs. ECOW - Volatility Comparison

Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SCHE) has a higher volatility of 5.89% compared to Pacer Emerging Markets Cash Cows 100 ETF (ECOW) at 4.06%. This indicates that SCHE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ECOW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCHE	ECOW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.89%	4.06%	+1.83%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.30%	12.08%	+3.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.70%	14.85%	+2.85%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.92%	17.78%	+0.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.41%	20.08%	-0.67%

SCHE vs. ECOW - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCHE has a 0.11% expense ratio, which is lower than ECOW's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

SCHE vs. ECOW - Dividend Comparison

SCHE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.69%, less than ECOW's 4.47% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ECOW Pacer Emerging Markets Cash Cows 100 ETF	4.47%	5.20%	7.35%	5.46%	7.50%	4.39%	3.35%	8.08%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SCHE Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF	2.69%	2.88%	3.03%	3.83%	2.88%	2.86%	2.09%	3.27%	2.64%	2.31%	2.27%	2.50%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCHE and ECOW in my portfolio?

SCHE and ECOW have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SCHE or ECOW?

SCHE has higher volatility (5.89%) compared to ECOW (4.06%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCHE dropped -36.20% vs ECOW's -40.27%.

Which ETF is better, SCHE or ECOW?

On 5-year performance, ECOW leads with 6.97% vs 5.05% for SCHE. On fees, SCHE is cheaper at 0.11% per year. On volatility, ECOW has been the lower-risk option at 4.06%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SCHE or ECOW?

Over the 5-year period, ECOW has performed better with a 6.97% return vs 5.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCHE or ECOW?

SCHE is cheaper with a 0.11% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for ECOW.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SCHE or ECOW?

ECOW has the higher dividend yield at 4.47%, compared with 2.69% for SCHE.

What is the main difference between SCHE and ECOW?

SCHE tracks FTSE Emerging Index, while ECOW tracks Pacer Emerging Markets Cash Cows 100 Index. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.11% for SCHE and 0.70% for ECOW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ECOW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.98 vs 1.03), 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.