HERD vs VTI
Pacer Cash Cows Fund of Funds ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. HERD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HERD | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.74% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $98M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.89% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +18.45% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.90% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.25% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.00% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.3% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 3, 2019 | May 24, 2001 |
HERD vs VTI Performance
Pacer Cash Cows Fund of Funds ETF (HERD) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HERD returned +27.90% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, HERD is up 18.45% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, HERD compounded at +16.25% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +11.00% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, HERD has the edge at +13.49% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HERD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.3% compared with 15.4% for VTI. 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 -39.4% for HERD 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HERD charges 0.74% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $74 vs $3 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HERD currently yields 2.89% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
HERD and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2789 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, HERD or VTI?
HERD has an expense ratio of 0.74% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HERD or VTI?
Over the past year HERD returned +27.90% vs +22.39% for VTI, so HERD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), HERD annualized +13.49% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HERD or VTI?
HERD has been the more volatile fund at 18.3% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: HERD -39.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both HERD and VTI?
HERD and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HERD and VTI?
HERD and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2789 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HERD or VTI?
HERD yields 2.89% while VTI yields 1.07%, so HERD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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