COWG vs VTI
Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar 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 | COWG | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.3B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.37% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +11.50% | +13.12% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.35% | +20.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.39% | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +11.84% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 21, 2022 | May 24, 2001 |
COWG vs VTI Performance
Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF (COWG) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year COWG returned +13.35% while VTI returned +20.82%. Year to date, COWG is up 11.50% versus a gain of 13.12% for VTI.
Over three years, COWG compounded at +22.39% per year against +21.43% for VTI. Across the full 4-year window we track, COWG has the edge at +20.67% annualized vs +8.08%. 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 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 -23.6% for COWG 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
COWG charges 0.49% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
COWG and VTI share 90 holdings out of 2798 unique holdings combined, representing a 12.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, COWG or VTI?
COWG has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, COWG or VTI?
Over the past year COWG returned +13.35% vs +20.82% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), COWG annualized +20.67% vs +8.08% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, COWG or VTI?
COWG has been the more volatile fund at 15.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: COWG -23.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both COWG and VTI?
COWG and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between COWG and VTI?
COWG and VTI share 90 common holdings with a 12.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2798 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, COWG or VTI?
COWG yields 0.37% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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