MILK vs VYM
Pacer US Cash Cows Bond 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MILK | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $18M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.95% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -1.47% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.80% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 17, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
MILK vs VYM Performance
Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF (MILK) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MILK returned -0.80% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, MILK is down 1.47% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MILK 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, MILK currently yields 6.95% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
MILK and VYM share 0 holdings out of 660 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 VYM?
MILK 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, MILK or VYM?
Over the past year MILK returned -0.80% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), MILK annualized +1.94% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MILK or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 5.4% for MILK. Worst drawdown: MILK -6.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both MILK and VYM?
MILK and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MILK and VYM?
MILK and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 660 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MILK or VYM?
MILK yields 6.95% while VYM yields 2.86%, so MILK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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