ICOW vs IVV
Pacer Developed Markets International Cash Cows 100 ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. ICOW delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ICOW | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.8B | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.23% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 111 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +17.03% | +12.71% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.09% | +21.89% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.46% | +22.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.02% | +12.96% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2017 | May 15, 2000 |
ICOW vs IVV Performance
Pacer Developed Markets International Cash Cows 100 ETF (ICOW) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year ICOW returned +29.09% while IVV returned +21.89%. Year to date, ICOW is up 17.03% versus a gain of 12.71% for IVV.
Over three years, ICOW compounded at +18.46% per year against +22.08% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +11.02% and +12.96% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, ICOW has the edge at +9.82% annualized vs +7.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ICOW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.0% compared with 15.1% for IVV. 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 -43.5% for ICOW and -56.5% for IVV. 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ICOW charges 0.65% per year while IVV 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, ICOW currently yields 2.23% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
ICOW and IVV share 1 holdings out of 606 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ICOW | Weight in IVV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| DG | 2.09% | 0.04% | 2.05% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ICOW or IVV?
ICOW has an expense ratio of 0.65% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $62 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ICOW or IVV?
Over the past year ICOW returned +29.09% vs +21.89% for IVV, so ICOW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), ICOW annualized +9.82% vs +7.00% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ICOW or IVV?
ICOW has been the more volatile fund at 18.0% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: ICOW -43.5% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both ICOW and IVV?
ICOW and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ICOW and IVV?
ICOW and IVV share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 606 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ICOW or IVV?
ICOW yields 2.23% while IVV yields 1.10%, so ICOW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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