VMAX vs. GCOW

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VMAX (Hartford US Value ETF) and GCOW (Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. VMAX is actively managed, while GCOW is passively managed. Over the past year, VMAX returned 27.28% vs 27.12% for GCOW. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VMAX charges 0.29%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for GCOW.

Performance

VMAX vs. GCOW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Hartford US Value ETF (VMAX) and Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF (GCOW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with VMAX having a 12.22% return and GCOW slightly lower at 12.18%.

VMAX

• 1D: -0.50%
• 1M: 2.11%
• YTD: 12.22%
• 6M: 13.50%
• 1Y: 27.28%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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)

VMAX vs. GCOW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
VMAX Hartford US Value ETF	12.22%	15.65%	15.89%	6.98%
GCOW Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF	12.18%	27.34%	3.52%	4.61%

Correlation

The correlation between VMAX and GCOW is 0.50, 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	0.50
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 7, 2023	0.57

The correlation between VMAX and GCOW has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.50 to 0.57 - a consistent structural relationship.

VMAX vs. GCOW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VMAX	GCOW
Financial Services	33.3%	-
Energy	12.3%	24.4%
Healthcare	11.0%	14.6%
Technology	10.8%	0.9%
Communication Services	6.7%	14.6%
Utilities	5.7%	4.1%
Industrials	5.6%	12.4%
Real Estate	4.3%	-
Consumer Defensive	3.9%	17.1%
Consumer Cyclical	3.7%	4.6%
Basic Materials	2.8%	7.3%

Return for Risk

VMAX vs. GCOW — Risk / Return Rank

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

VMAX

VMAX Risk / Return Rank: 75
VMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
VMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
VMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 65
VMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
VMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 88

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.

VMAX vs. GCOW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Hartford US Value ETF (VMAX) 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.

	VMAX	GCOW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.25	2.52	-0.28
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.07	3.63	-0.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.44	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.56	5.71	-0.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.55	15.05	+4.50
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VMAX vs. GCOW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VMAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.25, which is comparable to the GCOW Sharpe Ratio of 2.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VMAX 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

	VMAX	GCOW	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.25	2.52	-0.28
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.92	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.61	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.37	0.59	+0.79

Drawdowns

VMAX vs. GCOW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VMAX drawdown since its inception was -19.05%, smaller than the maximum GCOW drawdown of -37.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VMAX and GCOW.

Drawdown Indicators

	VMAX	GCOW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.05%	-37.64%	+18.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.93%	-4.77%	-0.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-12.35%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-21.48%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-37.64%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.50%	-2.73%	+2.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.57%	-5.84%	+3.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.40%	1.81%	-0.41%

Volatility

VMAX vs. GCOW - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Hartford US Value ETF (VMAX) is 2.55%, while Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF (GCOW) has a volatility of 2.85%. This indicates that VMAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GCOW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VMAX	GCOW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.55%	2.85%	-0.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.71%	7.99%	+0.72%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.22%	10.81%	+1.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.45%	13.49%	+1.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.45%	16.20%	-0.75%

VMAX vs. GCOW - Expense Ratio Comparison

VMAX has a 0.29% expense ratio, which is lower than GCOW's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

VMAX vs. GCOW - Dividend Comparison

VMAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.91%, less than GCOW's 4.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
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%
VMAX Hartford US Value ETF	1.91%	2.14%	1.95%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VMAX and GCOW in my portfolio?

VMAX and GCOW have a correlation of 0.50, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VMAX or GCOW?

GCOW has higher volatility (2.85%) compared to VMAX (2.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VMAX dropped -19.05% vs GCOW's -37.64%.

Which ETF is better, VMAX or GCOW?

On 1-year performance, VMAX leads with 27.28% vs 27.12% for GCOW. On fees, VMAX is cheaper at 0.29% per year. On volatility, VMAX has been the lower-risk option at 2.55%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VMAX or GCOW?

Over the 1-year period, VMAX has performed better with a 27.28% return vs 27.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VMAX or GCOW?

VMAX is cheaper with a 0.29% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for GCOW.

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

GCOW has the higher dividend yield at 4.43%, compared with 1.91% for VMAX.

What is the main difference between VMAX and GCOW?

They also come from different issuers: Hartford and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.29% for VMAX and 0.60% for GCOW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GCOW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.52 vs 2.25), 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.