GCOW vs SCHD
Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. GCOW offers more diversification with 109 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GCOW | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $3.5B | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.58% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 109 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +12.45% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.93% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.81% | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.31% | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.2% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.6% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 22, 2016 | Oct 20, 2011 |
GCOW vs SCHD Performance
Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF (GCOW) 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 GCOW returned +18.93% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, GCOW is up 12.45% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Over three years, GCOW compounded at +15.81% per year against +16.29% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +12.31% and +9.65% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs +10.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GCOW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.2% 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 -37.6% for GCOW 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GCOW charges 0.60% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $6 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GCOW currently yields 4.58% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
GCOW and SCHD share 7 holdings out of 191 unique holdings combined, representing a 13.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GCOW or SCHD?
GCOW has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GCOW or SCHD?
Over the past year GCOW returned +18.93% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), GCOW annualized +10.26% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GCOW or SCHD?
GCOW has been the more volatile fund at 15.2% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: GCOW -37.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both GCOW and SCHD?
GCOW and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GCOW and SCHD?
GCOW and SCHD share 7 common holdings with a 13.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 191 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GCOW or SCHD?
GCOW yields 4.58% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so GCOW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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