GCOW vs VXUS
Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GCOW | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $3.3B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.93% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 110 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +11.83% | +15.00% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.87% | +26.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.13% | +19.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.22% | +9.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 22, 2016 | Jan 26, 2011 |
GCOW vs VXUS Performance
Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF (GCOW) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GCOW returned +18.87% while VXUS returned +26.87%. Year to date, GCOW is up 11.83% versus a gain of 15.00% for VXUS.
Over three years, GCOW compounded at +15.13% per year against +19.79% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.22% and +9.26% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, GCOW has the edge at +10.21% annualized vs +4.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GCOW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.2% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -37.6% for GCOW and -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GCOW charges 0.60% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $5 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GCOW currently yields 4.93% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
GCOW and VXUS share 52 holdings out of 7907 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GCOW or VXUS?
GCOW has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GCOW or VXUS?
Over the past year GCOW returned +18.87% vs +26.87% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), GCOW annualized +10.21% vs +4.88% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GCOW or VXUS?
GCOW has been the more volatile fund at 15.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: GCOW -37.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both GCOW and VXUS?
GCOW and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GCOW and VXUS?
GCOW and VXUS share 52 common holdings with a 3.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7907 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GCOW or VXUS?
GCOW yields 4.93% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so GCOW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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