BUL vs VTI
Pacer US Cash Cows Growth ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BUL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $132M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.22% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +15.41% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.13% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.92% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.12% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.8% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 2, 2019 | May 24, 2001 |
BUL vs VTI Performance
Pacer US Cash Cows Growth ETF (BUL) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BUL returned +22.13% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, BUL is up 15.41% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, BUL compounded at +20.92% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +11.12% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, BUL has the edge at +14.42% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BUL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.8% compared with 15.4% for VTI. 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 -37.3% for BUL and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUL charges 0.60% per year while VTI 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, BUL currently yields 0.22% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
BUL and VTI share 41 holdings out of 2793 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BUL or VTI?
BUL has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUL or VTI?
Over the past year BUL returned +22.13% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), BUL annualized +14.42% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUL or VTI?
BUL has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: BUL -37.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BUL and VTI?
BUL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between BUL and VTI?
BUL and VTI share 41 common holdings with a 1.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2793 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUL or VTI?
BUL yields 0.22% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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