COWS vs VTI
Amplify Cash Flow Dividend Leaders ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. COWS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | COWS | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.19% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $43M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.53% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 42 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +19.57% | +13.38% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.56% | +21.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.55% | +21.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Amplify ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 13, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
COWS vs VTI Performance
Amplify Cash Flow Dividend Leaders ETF (COWS) is a ETF from Amplify ETFs and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year COWS returned +30.56% while VTI returned +21.12%. Year to date, COWS is up 19.57% versus a gain of 13.38% for VTI.
Over three years, COWS compounded at +19.55% per year against +21.85% for VTI. Across the full 3-year window we track, COWS has the edge at +19.55% annualized vs +8.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
COWS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.8% 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 -24.8% for COWS 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
COWS charges 0.19% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
COWS and VTI share 35 holdings out of 2793 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, COWS or VTI?
COWS has an expense ratio of 0.19% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, COWS or VTI?
Over the past year COWS returned +30.56% vs +21.12% for VTI, so COWS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), COWS annualized +19.55% vs +8.10% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, COWS or VTI?
COWS has been the more volatile fund at 15.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: COWS -24.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both COWS and VTI?
COWS and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between COWS and VTI?
COWS and VTI share 35 common holdings with a 1.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2793 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, COWS or VTI?
COWS yields 1.53% while VTI yields 1.07%, so COWS 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.