VWID vs. GCOW

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VWID (Virtus WMC International Dividend ETF) and GCOW (Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VWID is a Dividend fund tracking the MSCI World ex USA Value Index (net), while GCOW is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividends Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, VWID returned 11.20%/yr vs 12.34%/yr for GCOW. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VWID charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for GCOW.

Performance

VWID vs. GCOW - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VWID achieves a 7.96% return, which is significantly lower than GCOW's 12.18% return.

VWID

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.00%
• YTD: 7.96%
• 6M: 12.61%
• 1Y: 27.11%
• 3Y*: 20.15%
• 5Y*: 11.20%
• 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)

VWID vs. GCOW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VWID Virtus WMC International Dividend ETF	7.96%	41.70%	3.10%	17.10%	-6.43%	11.63%	4.47%	23.97%	-10.48%	5.32%
GCOW Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF	12.18%	27.34%	3.52%	13.95%	5.49%	14.58%	-4.33%	17.81%	-7.99%	3.98%

Correlation

The correlation between VWID and GCOW is 0.66, 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	0.66
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.81
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 13, 2017	0.77

The correlation between VWID and GCOW shifts across timeframes, from 0.66 (1 year) to 0.86 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VWID vs. GCOW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VWID	GCOW
Financial Services	29.9%	-
Industrials	13.4%	12.4%
Energy	12.1%	24.4%
Consumer Defensive	8.0%	17.1%
Consumer Cyclical	7.2%	4.6%
Healthcare	5.9%	14.6%
Basic Materials	5.7%	7.3%
Communication Services	5.6%	14.6%
Real Estate	5.4%	-
Utilities	3.6%	4.1%
Technology	3.3%	0.9%

Return for Risk

VWID vs. GCOW — Risk / Return Rank

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

VWID

VWID Risk / Return Rank: 67
VWID Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
VWID Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
VWID Omega Ratio Rank: 76
VWID Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
VWID Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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.

VWID vs. GCOW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus WMC International Dividend ETF (VWID) 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.

	VWID	GCOW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.26	2.52	-0.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.15	3.63	-0.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.44	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.98	5.71	-2.73
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.61	15.05	-3.43
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VWID vs. GCOW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VWID Sharpe Ratio is 2.26, which is comparable to the GCOW Sharpe Ratio of 2.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VWID 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

	VWID	GCOW	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.26	2.52	-0.26
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80	0.92	-0.12
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.61	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.64	0.59	+0.05

Drawdowns

VWID vs. GCOW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VWID drawdown since its inception was -34.64%, smaller than the maximum GCOW drawdown of -37.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VWID and GCOW.

Drawdown Indicators

	VWID	GCOW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.64%	-37.64%	+3.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.13%	-4.77%	-4.36%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.14%	-12.35%	+0.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.30%	-21.48%	-2.82%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-37.64%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.97%	-2.73%	+0.76%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.69%	-5.84%	+1.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.34%	1.81%	+0.53%

Volatility

VWID vs. GCOW - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Virtus WMC International Dividend ETF (VWID) is 0.00%, while Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF (GCOW) has a volatility of 2.85%. This indicates that VWID 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

	VWID	GCOW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.00%	2.85%	-2.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.25%	7.99%	+1.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.05%	10.81%	+1.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.15%	13.49%	+0.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.40%	16.20%	+0.20%

VWID vs. GCOW - Expense Ratio Comparison

VWID has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is lower than GCOW's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

VWID vs. GCOW - Dividend Comparison

VWID's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.54%, more 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%
VWID Virtus WMC International Dividend ETF	4.54%	4.86%	4.48%	4.97%	5.73%	10.70%	4.71%	1.99%	4.55%	0.74%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VWID and GCOW in my portfolio?

VWID and GCOW have a correlation of 0.66, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VWID or GCOW?

GCOW has higher volatility (2.85%) compared to VWID (0.00%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VWID dropped -34.64% vs GCOW's -37.64%.

Which ETF is better, VWID or GCOW?

On 5-year performance, GCOW leads with 12.34% vs 11.20% for VWID. On fees, VWID is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, VWID has been the lower-risk option at 0.00%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VWID or GCOW?

Over the 5-year period, GCOW has performed better with a 12.34% return vs 11.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VWID or GCOW?

VWID is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for GCOW.

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

VWID has the higher dividend yield at 4.54%, compared with 4.43% for GCOW.

What is the main difference between VWID and GCOW?

VWID is categorized as Dividend, while GCOW is Large Cap Value Equities. VWID tracks MSCI World ex USA Value Index (net), while GCOW tracks Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividends Index. They also come from different issuers: Virtus and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for VWID and 0.60% for GCOW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GCOW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.52 vs 2.26), 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.