COWS vs VXUS
Amplify Cash Flow Dividend Leaders ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. COWS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | COWS | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.19% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $43M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.53% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 42 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +21.10% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.38% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.15% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Amplify ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 13, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
COWS vs VXUS Performance
Amplify Cash Flow Dividend Leaders ETF (COWS) is a ETF from Amplify ETFs and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year COWS returned +31.38% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, COWS is up 21.10% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, COWS compounded at +20.15% per year against +20.34% for VXUS. Across the full 3-year window we track, COWS has the edge at +20.15% annualized vs +4.89%. 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 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 -24.8% for COWS 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
COWS charges 0.19% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $19 vs $5 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, COWS currently yields 1.53% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
COWS and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7910 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, COWS or VXUS?
COWS has an expense ratio of 0.19% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, COWS or VXUS?
Over the past year COWS returned +31.38% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so COWS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), COWS annualized +20.15% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, COWS or VXUS?
COWS has been the more volatile fund at 15.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: COWS -24.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both COWS and VXUS?
COWS and VXUS 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 COWS and VXUS?
COWS and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7910 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, COWS or VXUS?
COWS yields 1.53% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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