GCOW vs VYM
Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GCOW | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $3.5B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.58% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 109 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +14.92% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.79% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.82% | +19.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.06% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 22, 2016 | Nov 10, 2006 |
GCOW vs VYM Performance
Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF (GCOW) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GCOW returned +19.79% while VYM returned +23.24%. Year to date, GCOW is up 14.92% versus a gain of 15.34% for VYM.
Over three years, GCOW compounded at +16.82% per year against +19.22% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +13.06% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, GCOW has the edge at +10.47% annualized vs +7.04%. 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 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 -37.6% for GCOW 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GCOW charges 0.60% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $4 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GCOW currently yields 4.58% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
GCOW and VYM share 11 holdings out of 690 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GCOW or VYM?
GCOW has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GCOW or VYM?
Over the past year GCOW returned +19.79% vs +23.24% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), GCOW annualized +10.47% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GCOW or VYM?
GCOW has been the more volatile fund at 15.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: GCOW -37.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both GCOW and VYM?
GCOW and VYM 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 VYM?
GCOW and VYM share 11 common holdings with a 7.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 690 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GCOW or VYM?
GCOW yields 4.58% while VYM yields 2.24%, so GCOW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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