COWS vs VYM
Amplify Cash Flow Dividend Leaders ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. COWS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | COWS | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.19% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $43M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.53% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 42 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +21.10% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.38% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.15% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Amplify ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 13, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
COWS vs VYM Performance
Amplify Cash Flow Dividend Leaders ETF (COWS) is a ETF from Amplify ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year COWS returned +31.38% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, COWS is up 21.10% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, COWS compounded at +20.15% per year against +19.03% for VYM. Across the full 3-year window we track, COWS has the edge at +20.15% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
COWS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.9% 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 -24.8% for COWS 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
COWS charges 0.19% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $19 vs $4 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, COWS currently yields 1.53% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
COWS and VYM share 20 holdings out of 624 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, COWS or VYM?
COWS has an expense ratio of 0.19% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, COWS or VYM?
Over the past year COWS returned +31.38% vs +24.22% for VYM, so COWS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), COWS annualized +20.15% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, COWS or VYM?
COWS has been the more volatile fund at 15.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: COWS -24.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both COWS and VYM?
COWS and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between COWS and VYM?
COWS and VYM share 20 common holdings with a 2.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 624 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, COWS or VYM?
COWS yields 1.53% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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