MCOW vs VYM
Pacer S&P MidCap 400 Quality FCF Aristocrats ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MCOW | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.21% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 79 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +11.58% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.04% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 27, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
MCOW vs VYM Performance
Pacer S&P MidCap 400 Quality FCF Aristocrats ETF (MCOW) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MCOW returned +8.04% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, MCOW is up 11.58% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 14.3% 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MCOW charges 0.49% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $4 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MCOW currently yields 0.21% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
MCOW and VYM share 22 holdings out of 659 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MCOW or VYM?
MCOW has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MCOW or VYM?
Over the past year MCOW returned +8.04% vs +22.16% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MCOW or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 14.3% for MCOW. Worst drawdown: MCOW -15.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both MCOW and VYM?
MCOW and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MCOW and VYM?
MCOW and VYM share 22 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 659 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MCOW or VYM?
MCOW yields 0.21% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM 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.