GCOW vs SPY
Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GCOW | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $3.5B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.58% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 109 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +14.92% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.79% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.82% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.06% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 22, 2016 | Jan 22, 1993 |
GCOW vs SPY Performance
Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF (GCOW) 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 GCOW returned +19.79% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, GCOW is up 14.92% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, GCOW compounded at +16.82% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +13.06% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, GCOW has the edge at +10.47% annualized vs +8.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 15.2% for GCOW. 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 -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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GCOW charges 0.60% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $9 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GCOW currently yields 4.58% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
GCOW and SPY share 11 holdings out of 591 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GCOW or SPY?
GCOW has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GCOW or SPY?
Over the past year GCOW returned +19.79% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), GCOW annualized +10.47% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GCOW or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.2% for GCOW. Worst drawdown: GCOW -37.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both GCOW and SPY?
GCOW and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GCOW and SPY?
GCOW and SPY share 11 common holdings with a 2.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 591 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GCOW or SPY?
GCOW yields 4.58% while SPY yields 1.01%, so GCOW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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