HCOW vs VTI
Amplify COWS Covered Call ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. HCOW delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HCOW | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $18M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 12.55% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 86 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +15.56% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.62% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.92% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Amplify ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
HCOW vs VTI Performance
Amplify COWS Covered Call ETF (HCOW) is a ETF from Amplify ETFs and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HCOW returned +24.62% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, HCOW is up 15.56% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, HCOW compounded at +12.92% per year against +21.83% for VTI. Across the full 3-year window we track, HCOW has the edge at +12.92% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.5% for HCOW. 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 -24.1% for HCOW 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HCOW charges 0.65% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $3 annually, a gap of $62 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HCOW currently yields 12.55% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
HCOW and VTI share 35 holdings out of 2794 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HCOW or VTI?
HCOW has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $62 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HCOW or VTI?
Over the past year HCOW returned +24.62% vs +22.35% for VTI, so HCOW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), HCOW annualized +12.92% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HCOW or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.5% for HCOW. Worst drawdown: HCOW -24.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both HCOW and VTI?
HCOW and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HCOW and VTI?
HCOW and VTI share 35 common holdings with a 1.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2794 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HCOW or VTI?
HCOW yields 12.55% while VTI yields 1.07%, so HCOW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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