SCOW vs. FESM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SCOW (Pacer S&P SmallCap 600 Quality FCF Aristocrats ETF) and FESM (Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. SCOW is passively managed, while FESM is actively managed. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SCOW charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.28%/yr for FESM.

Performance

SCOW vs. FESM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer S&P SmallCap 600 Quality FCF Aristocrats ETF (SCOW) and Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF (FESM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SCOW achieves a 6.60% return, which is significantly lower than FESM's 19.64% return.

SCOW

• 1D: -1.46%
• 1M: 2.00%
• YTD: 6.60%
• 6M: 5.15%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FESM

• 1D: -1.51%
• 1M: 3.13%
• YTD: 19.64%
• 6M: 19.11%
• 1Y: 46.73%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SCOW vs. FESM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SCOW Pacer S&P SmallCap 600 Quality FCF Aristocrats ETF	6.60%	-2.05%
FESM Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF	19.64%	6.12%

Correlation

The correlation between SCOW and FESM 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 29, 2025	0.77

Return for Risk

SCOW vs. FESM — Risk / Return Rank

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

FESM

FESM Risk / Return Rank: 76
FESM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
FESM Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
FESM Omega Ratio Rank: 66
FESM Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
FESM Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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.

SCOW vs. FESM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer S&P SmallCap 600 Quality FCF Aristocrats ETF (SCOW) and Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF (FESM). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SCOW	FESM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.48	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.35	1.29	-0.94

Drawdowns

SCOW vs. FESM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCOW drawdown since its inception was -10.09%, smaller than the maximum FESM drawdown of -26.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCOW and FESM.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCOW	FESM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.09%	-26.93%	+16.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-10.18%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.46%	-1.59%	+0.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.20%	-4.79%	+1.59%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.82%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SCOW	FESM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.64%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	13.32%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.94%	18.98%	-2.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.94%	21.26%	-4.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.94%	21.26%	-4.32%

SCOW vs. FESM - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCOW has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than FESM's 0.28% expense ratio.

Dividends

SCOW vs. FESM - Dividend Comparison

SCOW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.27%, less than FESM's 0.53% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
FESM Fidelity Enhanced Small Cap ETF	0.53%	0.82%	1.08%	0.06%
SCOW Pacer S&P SmallCap 600 Quality FCF Aristocrats ETF	0.27%	0.17%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCOW and FESM in my portfolio?

SCOW and FESM 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 ETF is better, SCOW or FESM?

On fees, FESM is cheaper at 0.28% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCOW or FESM?

FESM is cheaper with a 0.28% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for SCOW.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SCOW or FESM?

FESM has the higher dividend yield at 0.53%, compared with 0.27% for SCOW.

What is the main difference between SCOW and FESM?

They also come from different issuers: Pacer and Fidelity. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for SCOW and 0.28% for FESM.