GCOW vs VOO
Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GCOW | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3.5B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.58% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 109 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +14.92% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.79% | +21.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.82% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.06% | +12.95% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 22, 2016 | Sep 7, 2010 |
GCOW vs VOO Performance
Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF (GCOW) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GCOW returned +19.79% while VOO returned +21.87%. Year to date, GCOW is up 14.92% versus a gain of 12.68% for VOO.
Over three years, GCOW compounded at +16.82% per year against +22.06% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +13.06% and +12.95% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.47% annualized vs +10.47%. 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 14.1% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $3 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GCOW currently yields 4.58% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
GCOW and VOO share 12 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 VOO?
GCOW has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GCOW or VOO?
Over the past year GCOW returned +19.79% vs +21.87% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), GCOW annualized +10.47% vs +13.47% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GCOW or VOO?
GCOW has been the more volatile fund at 15.2% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: GCOW -37.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both GCOW and VOO?
GCOW and VOO 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 VOO?
GCOW and VOO share 12 common holdings with a 2.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 591 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GCOW or VOO?
GCOW yields 4.58% while VOO yields 1.08%, so GCOW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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