ECOW vs VYM
Pacer Emerging Markets Cash Cows 100 ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ECOW | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $218M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.62% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 117 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +11.35% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.99% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.72% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.00% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 2, 2019 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ECOW vs VYM Performance
Pacer Emerging Markets Cash Cows 100 ETF (ECOW) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ECOW returned +23.99% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, ECOW is up 11.35% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, ECOW compounded at +17.72% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +7.00% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.09% annualized vs +5.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ECOW 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 -41.3% for ECOW 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ECOW charges 0.70% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $4 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ECOW currently yields 4.62% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ECOW and VYM share 0 holdings out of 669 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, ECOW or VYM?
ECOW has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ECOW or VYM?
Over the past year ECOW returned +23.99% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), ECOW annualized +5.49% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ECOW or VYM?
ECOW has been the more volatile fund at 18.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ECOW -41.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ECOW and VYM?
ECOW and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ECOW and VYM?
ECOW and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 669 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ECOW or VYM?
ECOW yields 4.62% while VYM yields 2.86%, so ECOW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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