COWZ vs VYM
Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. COWZ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | COWZ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $19.8B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.85% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +19.16% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.03% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.38% | +19.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.85% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 16, 2016 | Nov 10, 2006 |
COWZ vs VYM Performance
Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF (COWZ) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year COWZ returned +27.03% while VYM returned +23.24%. Year to date, COWZ is up 19.16% versus a gain of 15.34% for VYM.
Over three years, COWZ compounded at +14.38% per year against +19.22% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.85% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, COWZ has the edge at +13.61% annualized vs +7.04%. 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 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 -38.6% for COWZ 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
COWZ charges 0.45% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $4 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, COWZ currently yields 1.85% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
COWZ and VYM share 53 holdings out of 651 unique holdings combined, representing a 12.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, COWZ or VYM?
COWZ has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, COWZ or VYM?
Over the past year COWZ returned +27.03% vs +23.24% for VYM, so COWZ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), COWZ annualized +13.61% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, COWZ or VYM?
COWZ has been the more volatile fund at 18.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: COWZ -38.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both COWZ and VYM?
COWZ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 COWZ and VYM?
COWZ and VYM share 53 common holdings with a 12.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 651 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, COWZ or VYM?
COWZ yields 1.85% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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