COWG vs SCHD
Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | COWG | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $2.3B | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.37% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +13.35% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.87% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.24% | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.7% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.6% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 21, 2022 | Oct 20, 2011 |
COWG vs SCHD Performance
Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF (COWG) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year COWG returned +14.87% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, COWG is up 13.35% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Over three years, COWG compounded at +23.24% per year against +16.29% for SCHD. Across the full 4-year window we track, COWG has the edge at +21.40% annualized vs +11.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
COWG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.7% compared with 13.6% for SCHD. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -23.6% for COWG and -33.4% for SCHD. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
COWG charges 0.49% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $6 annually, a gap of $43 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, COWG currently yields 0.37% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
COWG and SCHD share 5 holdings out of 196 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, COWG or SCHD?
COWG has an expense ratio of 0.49% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $43 per year of difference.
Which performed better, COWG or SCHD?
Over the past year COWG returned +14.87% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), COWG annualized +21.40% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, COWG or SCHD?
COWG has been the more volatile fund at 15.7% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: COWG -23.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both COWG and SCHD?
COWG and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between COWG and SCHD?
COWG and SCHD share 5 common holdings with a 4.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 196 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, COWG or SCHD?
COWG yields 0.37% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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