COWS vs VOO
Amplify Cash Flow Dividend Leaders ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. COWS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | COWS | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.19% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $43M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.53% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 42 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +21.10% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.38% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.15% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.9% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.8% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Amplify ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 13, 2023 | Sep 7, 2010 |
COWS vs VOO Performance
Amplify Cash Flow Dividend Leaders ETF (COWS) is a ETF from Amplify ETFs and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year COWS returned +31.38% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, COWS is up 21.10% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Over three years, COWS compounded at +20.15% per year against +22.19% for VOO. Across the full 3-year window we track, COWS has the edge at +20.15% annualized vs +13.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
COWS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.9% compared with 14.2% 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 -24.8% for COWS 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
COWS charges 0.19% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $19 vs $3 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, COWS currently yields 1.53% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
COWS and VOO share 24 holdings out of 522 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, COWS or VOO?
COWS has an expense ratio of 0.19% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, COWS or VOO?
Over the past year COWS returned +31.38% vs +21.79% for VOO, so COWS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), COWS annualized +20.15% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, COWS or VOO?
COWS has been the more volatile fund at 15.9% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: COWS -24.8% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both COWS and VOO?
COWS and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between COWS and VOO?
COWS and VOO share 24 common holdings with a 1.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 522 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, COWS or VOO?
COWS yields 1.53% while VOO yields 1.08%, so COWS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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