COWG vs VOO
Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | COWG | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.3B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.37% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +12.47% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.13% | +21.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.04% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.95% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 21, 2022 | Sep 7, 2010 |
COWG vs VOO Performance
Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF (COWG) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year COWG returned +15.13% while VOO returned +21.87%. Year to date, COWG is up 12.47% versus a gain of 12.68% for VOO.
Over three years, COWG compounded at +23.04% per year against +22.06% for VOO. Across the full 4-year window we track, COWG has the edge at +21.02% annualized vs +13.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
COWG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.6% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -23.6% for COWG and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
COWG charges 0.49% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $3 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, COWG currently yields 0.37% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
COWG and VOO share 64 holdings out of 542 unique holdings combined, representing a 13.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, COWG or VOO?
COWG has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, COWG or VOO?
Over the past year COWG returned +15.13% vs +21.87% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), COWG annualized +21.02% vs +13.47% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, COWG or VOO?
COWG has been the more volatile fund at 15.6% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: COWG -23.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both COWG and VOO?
COWG and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between COWG and VOO?
COWG and VOO share 64 common holdings with a 13.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 542 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, COWG or VOO?
COWG yields 0.37% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.