MCOW vs SPY
Pacer S&P MidCap 400 Quality FCF Aristocrats 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 | MCOW | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.21% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 79 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +11.78% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.24% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 27, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
MCOW vs SPY Performance
Pacer S&P MidCap 400 Quality FCF Aristocrats ETF (MCOW) 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 MCOW returned +8.24% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, MCOW is up 11.78% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.4% for MCOW. 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 -15.1% for MCOW 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MCOW charges 0.49% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $9 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MCOW currently yields 0.21% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
MCOW and SPY share 0 holdings out of 582 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, MCOW or SPY?
MCOW has an expense ratio of 0.49% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MCOW or SPY?
Over the past year MCOW returned +8.24% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MCOW or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.4% for MCOW. Worst drawdown: MCOW -15.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both MCOW and SPY?
MCOW and SPY 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 MCOW and SPY?
MCOW and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 582 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MCOW or SPY?
MCOW yields 0.21% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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