MCOW vs VXUS
Pacer S&P MidCap 400 Quality FCF Aristocrats ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MCOW | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.21% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 79 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +12.69% | +13.56% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.12% | +24.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 27, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
MCOW vs VXUS Performance
Pacer S&P MidCap 400 Quality FCF Aristocrats ETF (MCOW) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MCOW returned +9.12% while VXUS returned +24.30%. Year to date, MCOW is up 12.69% versus a gain of 13.56% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 14.6% for MCOW. 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 -15.1% for MCOW and -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MCOW charges 0.49% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $5 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MCOW currently yields 0.21% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
MCOW and VXUS share 2 holdings out of 7945 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MCOW or VXUS?
MCOW has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MCOW or VXUS?
Over the past year MCOW returned +9.12% vs +24.30% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MCOW or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.6% for MCOW. Worst drawdown: MCOW -15.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both MCOW and VXUS?
MCOW and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MCOW and VXUS?
MCOW and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7945 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MCOW or VXUS?
MCOW yields 0.21% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.