ICOW vs VOO
Pacer Developed Markets International Cash Cows 100 ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. ICOW delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ICOW | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.8B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.23% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 111 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +16.39% | +12.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.85% | +20.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.11% | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.14% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.0% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.5% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2017 | Sep 7, 2010 |
ICOW vs VOO Performance
Pacer Developed Markets International Cash Cows 100 ETF (ICOW) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ICOW returned +27.85% while VOO returned +20.92%. Year to date, ICOW is up 16.39% versus a gain of 12.25% for VOO.
Over three years, ICOW compounded at +18.11% per year against +21.79% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +11.14% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.45% annualized vs +9.75%. 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 14.1% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 VOO 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 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
ICOW and VOO 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 VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| DG | 2.09% | 0.04% | 2.05% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ICOW or VOO?
ICOW has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $62 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ICOW or VOO?
Over the past year ICOW returned +27.85% vs +20.92% for VOO, so ICOW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), ICOW annualized +9.75% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ICOW or VOO?
ICOW has been the more volatile fund at 18.0% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: ICOW -43.5% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both ICOW and VOO?
ICOW and VOO 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 VOO?
ICOW and VOO share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 606 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ICOW or VOO?
ICOW yields 2.23% while VOO yields 1.08%, so ICOW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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