PSCW vs VYM
Pacer Swan SOS Conservative (April) 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 | PSCW | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $60M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +9.06% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.43% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.34% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.20% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 31, 2021 | Nov 10, 2006 |
PSCW vs VYM Performance
Pacer Swan SOS Conservative (April) ETF (PSCW) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PSCW returned +13.43% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, PSCW is up 9.06% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, PSCW compounded at +11.34% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +7.20% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, PSCW has the edge at +7.47% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 6.9% for PSCW. 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 -11.9% for PSCW 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PSCW 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, PSCW currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
PSCW and VYM share 0 holdings out of 559 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, PSCW or VYM?
PSCW 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, PSCW or VYM?
Over the past year PSCW returned +13.43% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), PSCW annualized +7.47% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PSCW or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 6.9% for PSCW. Worst drawdown: PSCW -11.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both PSCW and VYM?
PSCW and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PSCW and VYM?
PSCW and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PSCW or VYM?
PSCW yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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