ICOW vs VTI
Pacer Developed Markets International Cash Cows 100 ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. ICOW delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ICOW | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.8B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.23% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 111 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +17.03% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.09% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.46% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.02% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2017 | May 24, 2001 |
ICOW vs VTI Performance
Pacer Developed Markets International Cash Cows 100 ETF (ICOW) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ICOW returned +29.09% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, ICOW is up 17.03% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, ICOW compounded at +18.46% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +11.02% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, ICOW has the edge at +9.82% annualized vs +8.09%. 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 15.3% 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 -43.5% for ICOW 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ICOW charges 0.65% per year while 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, ICOW currently yields 2.23% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
ICOW and VTI share 1 holdings out of 2888 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 VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| DG | 2.09% | 0.03% | 2.06% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ICOW or VTI?
ICOW 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, ICOW or VTI?
Over the past year ICOW returned +29.09% vs +22.35% for VTI, so ICOW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), ICOW annualized +9.82% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ICOW or VTI?
ICOW has been the more volatile fund at 18.0% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: ICOW -43.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both ICOW and VTI?
ICOW and VTI 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 VTI?
ICOW and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2888 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ICOW or VTI?
ICOW yields 2.23% while VTI yields 1.07%, so ICOW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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