COWG vs VYM
Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | COWG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2.3B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.37% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +12.47% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.13% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.04% | +19.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 21, 2022 | Nov 10, 2006 |
COWG vs VYM Performance
Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF (COWG) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year COWG returned +15.13% while VYM returned +23.24%. Year to date, COWG is up 12.47% versus a gain of 15.34% for VYM.
Over three years, COWG compounded at +23.04% per year against +19.22% for VYM. Across the full 4-year window we track, COWG has the edge at +21.02% annualized vs +7.04%. 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 14.6% 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 -23.6% for COWG 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
COWG charges 0.49% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $4 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, COWG currently yields 0.37% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
COWG and VYM share 25 holdings out of 679 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, COWG or VYM?
COWG has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, COWG or VYM?
Over the past year COWG returned +15.13% vs +23.24% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), COWG annualized +21.02% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, COWG or VYM?
COWG has been the more volatile fund at 15.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: COWG -23.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both COWG and VYM?
COWG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between COWG and VYM?
COWG and VYM share 25 common holdings with a 8.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 679 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, COWG or VYM?
COWG yields 0.37% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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