CAFG vs VYM
Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. CAFG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CAFG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $48M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.30% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +31.79% | +15.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.87% | +23.85% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.49% | +19.14% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.45% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 1, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
CAFG vs VYM Performance
Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF (CAFG) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CAFG returned +32.87% while VYM returned +23.85%. Year to date, CAFG is up 31.79% versus a gain of 15.75% for VYM.
Over three years, CAFG compounded at +16.49% per year against +19.14% for VYM. Across the full 3-year window we track, CAFG has the edge at +17.83% annualized vs +7.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CAFG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.1% compared with 14.6% for VYM. 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 -23.7% for CAFG and -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CAFG charges 0.59% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $4 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CAFG currently yields 0.30% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
CAFG and VYM share 12 holdings out of 692 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CAFG or VYM?
CAFG has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CAFG or VYM?
Over the past year CAFG returned +32.87% vs +23.85% for VYM, so CAFG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), CAFG annualized +17.83% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CAFG or VYM?
CAFG has been the more volatile fund at 18.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: CAFG -23.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both CAFG and VYM?
CAFG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CAFG and VYM?
CAFG and VYM share 12 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 692 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CAFG or VYM?
CAFG yields 0.30% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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