CALF vs VYM
Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. CALF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CALF | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $3.6B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.20% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 202 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +26.07% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +40.78% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.34% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.08% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -47.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2017 | Nov 10, 2006 |
CALF vs VYM Performance
Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows ETF (CALF) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CALF returned +40.78% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, CALF is up 26.07% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, CALF compounded at +10.34% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +6.08% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, CALF has the edge at +10.70% annualized vs +7.09%. 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 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 -47.6% for CALF 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CALF 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, CALF currently yields 1.20% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
CALF and VYM share 44 holdings out of 715 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CALF or VYM?
CALF 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, CALF or VYM?
Over the past year CALF returned +40.78% vs +26.05% for VYM, so CALF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), CALF annualized +10.70% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CALF or VYM?
CALF has been the more volatile fund at 23.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: CALF -47.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both CALF and VYM?
CALF and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CALF and VYM?
CALF and VYM share 44 common holdings with a 1.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 715 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CALF or VYM?
CALF yields 1.20% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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