COWZ vs IVV
Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. COWZ delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | COWZ | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $19.8B | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.85% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +19.16% | +12.71% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.03% | +21.89% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.38% | +22.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.85% | +12.96% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 16, 2016 | May 15, 2000 |
COWZ vs IVV Performance
Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF (COWZ) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year COWZ returned +27.03% while IVV returned +21.89%. Year to date, COWZ is up 19.16% versus a gain of 12.71% for IVV.
Over three years, COWZ compounded at +14.38% per year against +22.08% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +11.85% and +12.96% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, COWZ has the edge at +13.61% annualized vs +7.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
COWZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.7% compared with 15.1% for IVV. 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 -38.6% for COWZ and -56.5% for IVV. 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
COWZ charges 0.45% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $3 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, COWZ currently yields 1.85% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
COWZ and IVV share 88 holdings out of 518 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, COWZ or IVV?
COWZ has an expense ratio of 0.45% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, COWZ or IVV?
Over the past year COWZ returned +27.03% vs +21.89% for IVV, so COWZ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), COWZ annualized +13.61% vs +7.00% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, COWZ or IVV?
COWZ has been the more volatile fund at 18.7% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: COWZ -38.6% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both COWZ and IVV?
COWZ and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between COWZ and IVV?
COWZ and IVV share 88 common holdings with a 7.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 518 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, COWZ or IVV?
COWZ yields 1.85% while IVV yields 1.10%, so COWZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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