CALF vs VTI
Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. CALF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CALF | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3.9B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.12% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 202 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +27.99% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.13% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.72% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.35% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -47.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2017 | May 24, 2001 |
CALF vs VTI Performance
Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows ETF (CALF) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CALF returned +37.13% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, CALF is up 27.99% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, CALF compounded at +11.72% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.35% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, CALF has the edge at +10.85% annualized vs +8.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CALF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.4% compared with 15.3% 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 -47.6% for CALF 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CALF charges 0.59% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $3 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CALF currently yields 1.12% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
CALF and VTI share 145 holdings out of 2843 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CALF or VTI?
CALF has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CALF or VTI?
Over the past year CALF returned +37.13% vs +21.39% for VTI, so CALF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), CALF annualized +10.85% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CALF or VTI?
CALF has been the more volatile fund at 23.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: CALF -47.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both CALF and VTI?
CALF and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CALF and VTI?
CALF and VTI share 145 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2843 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CALF or VTI?
CALF yields 1.12% while VTI yields 1.07%, so CALF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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