ECOW vs SPY
Pacer Emerging Markets Cash Cows 100 ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. ECOW delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ECOW | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $218M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.62% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 117 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +11.34% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.24% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.70% | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.80% | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 2, 2019 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ECOW vs SPY Performance
Pacer Emerging Markets Cash Cows 100 ETF (ECOW) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year ECOW returned +22.24% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, ECOW is up 11.34% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Over three years, ECOW compounded at +17.70% per year against +21.44% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +6.80% and +13.18% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +5.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ECOW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.7% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -41.3% for ECOW and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ECOW charges 0.70% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $9 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ECOW currently yields 4.62% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
ECOW and SPY share 0 holdings out of 614 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ECOW or SPY?
ECOW has an expense ratio of 0.70% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ECOW or SPY?
Over the past year ECOW returned +22.24% vs +21.53% for SPY, so ECOW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), ECOW annualized +5.48% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ECOW or SPY?
ECOW has been the more volatile fund at 18.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: ECOW -41.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ECOW and SPY?
ECOW and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ECOW and SPY?
ECOW and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 614 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ECOW or SPY?
ECOW yields 4.62% while SPY yields 1.01%, so ECOW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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