MILK vs VXUS
Pacer US Cash Cows Bond 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MILK | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $18M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.95% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -1.30% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.64% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 17, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
MILK vs VXUS Performance
Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF (MILK) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MILK returned -0.64% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, MILK is down 1.30% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MILK charges 0.49% per year while 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, MILK currently yields 6.95% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
MILK and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7963 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 VXUS?
MILK 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, MILK or VXUS?
Over the past year MILK returned -0.64% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), MILK annualized +2.06% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MILK or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 5.4% for MILK. Worst drawdown: MILK -6.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both MILK and VXUS?
MILK and VXUS 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 VXUS?
MILK and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7963 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MILK or VXUS?
MILK yields 6.95% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so MILK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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