COWG vs VXUS
Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | COWG | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.35% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +13.79% | +15.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.11% | +26.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.92% | +19.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 21, 2022 | Jan 26, 2011 |
COWG vs VXUS Performance
Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF (COWG) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year COWG returned +14.11% while VXUS returned +26.32%. Year to date, COWG is up 13.79% versus a gain of 15.24% for VXUS.
Over three years, COWG compounded at +22.92% per year against +19.85% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, COWG has the edge at +21.55% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
COWG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.7% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
COWG charges 0.49% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $5 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, COWG currently yields 0.35% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
COWG and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7866 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, COWG or VXUS?
COWG has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, COWG or VXUS?
Over the past year COWG returned +14.11% vs +26.32% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), COWG annualized +21.55% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, COWG or VXUS?
COWG has been the more volatile fund at 15.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: COWG -23.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both COWG and VXUS?
COWG and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between COWG and VXUS?
COWG and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7866 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, COWG or VXUS?
COWG yields 0.35% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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