MILK vs VTI
Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MILK | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $19M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.08% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -1.47% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | -1.03% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 17, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
MILK vs VTI Performance
Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF (MILK) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MILK returned -1.03% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, MILK is down 1.47% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 5.4% for MILK. 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 -6.2% for MILK 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MILK charges 0.49% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $3 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MILK currently yields 7.08% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
MILK and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2883 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MILK or VTI?
MILK has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MILK or VTI?
Over the past year MILK returned -1.03% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), MILK annualized +1.91% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MILK or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 5.4% for MILK. Worst drawdown: MILK -6.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both MILK and VTI?
MILK and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MILK and VTI?
MILK and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2883 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MILK or VTI?
MILK yields 7.08% while VTI yields 1.07%, so MILK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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