ICOW vs VTI
Pacer Developed Markets International Cash Cows 100 ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, ICOW or VTI?
Large Cap Value against Large Cap Blend.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. ICOW led over 1Y, VTI over 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ICOW | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $1.8B | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.17% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 111 | 3,543 |
| YTD Return | +11.94%Best | +11.65% |
| 1Y Return | +21.14%Best | +17.34% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.84% | +20.35%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.80% | +11.72%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.9% | 16.4%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -43.5% | -35.0%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $15,959 | $17,404Best |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Value | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2017 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 19, 2017 to Sep 10, 2026 (9.2 years).
ICOW vs VTI growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 9.2 years both funds cover.
ICOW vs VTI Performance
Pacer Developed Markets International Cash Cows 100 ETF (ICOW) is an ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ICOW returned +21.14% while VTI returned +17.34%. Year to date, ICOW is up 11.94% versus a gain of 11.65% for VTI.
Over three years, ICOW compounded at +15.84% per year against +20.35% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.80% and +11.72% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +13.40% annualized vs +9.23%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ICOW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.9% compared with 16.4% 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 -43.5% for ICOW and -35.0% for VTI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
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 2.17% against 1.03% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 102 holdings in ICOW and 2,787 in VTI, totalling 99.8% and 90.6% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 102 positions we hold weights for in ICOW and 2,787 in VTI, against full books of 111 and 3,543.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of ICOW and VTI you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
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, by $62 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, ICOW or VTI?
Over the past year ICOW returned +21.14% vs +17.34% for VTI, so ICOW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), ICOW annualized +9.23% vs +13.40% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, ICOW or VTI?
ICOW has been the more volatile fund at 17.9% annualized versus 16.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: ICOW -43.5% vs VTI -35.0%.
Should I hold both ICOW and VTI?
ICOW and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, ICOW or VTI?
ICOW yields 2.17% while VTI yields 1.03%, so ICOW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than ICOW?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. ICOW led over 1Y, VTI over 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.