COWZ vs VTI
Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. COWZ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | COWZ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $19.8B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.85% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +19.16% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.03% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.38% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.85% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 16, 2016 | May 24, 2001 |
COWZ vs VTI Performance
Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF (COWZ) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year COWZ returned +27.03% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, COWZ is up 19.16% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, COWZ compounded at +14.38% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +11.85% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, COWZ has the edge at +13.61% annualized vs +8.09%. 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 15.3% 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 -38.6% for COWZ 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
COWZ charges 0.45% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
COWZ and VTI share 99 holdings out of 2789 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, COWZ or VTI?
COWZ has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, COWZ or VTI?
Over the past year COWZ returned +27.03% vs +22.35% for VTI, so COWZ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), COWZ annualized +13.61% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, COWZ or VTI?
COWZ has been the more volatile fund at 18.7% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: COWZ -38.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both COWZ and VTI?
COWZ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between COWZ and VTI?
COWZ and VTI share 99 common holdings with a 6.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2789 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, COWZ or VTI?
COWZ yields 1.85% while VTI yields 1.07%, so COWZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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