COWG vs. VOT

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

COWG (Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF) and VOT (Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF) are both Mid Cap Growth Equities funds - COWG tracks the Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders Index while VOT tracks the CRSP US Mid Cap Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, COWG returned 22.52%/yr vs 15.82%/yr for VOT. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. COWG charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VOT.

Performance

COWG vs. VOT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF (COWG) and Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, COWG achieves a 7.28% return, which is significantly lower than VOT's 8.22% return.

COWG

• 1D: -0.45%
• 1M: -1.35%
• YTD: 7.28%
• 6M: 5.34%
• 1Y: 8.75%
• 3Y*: 22.52%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VOT

• 1D: 0.34%
• 1M: 3.53%
• YTD: 8.22%
• 6M: 6.16%
• 1Y: 8.71%
• 3Y*: 15.82%
• 5Y*: 5.74%
• 10Y*: 12.54%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

COWG vs. VOT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
COWG Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF	7.28%	10.24%	34.99%	20.69%	-0.68%
VOT Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF	8.22%	10.72%	16.38%	23.10%	-1.26%

Correlation

The correlation between COWG and VOT is 0.86, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.86
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 22, 2022	0.90

The correlation between COWG and VOT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

COWG vs. VOT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	COWG	VOT
Technology	51.4%	32.5%
Healthcare	20.0%	8.9%
Energy	7.3%	1.9%
Basic Materials	6.3%	1.6%
Communication Services	5.7%	3.6%
Industrials	3.1%	23.2%
Consumer Cyclical	2.9%	12.8%
Consumer Defensive	1.9%	0.8%
Utilities	1.4%	3.2%
Financial Services	-	6.9%
Real Estate	-	4.5%

Return for Risk

COWG vs. VOT — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

COWG

COWG Risk / Return Rank: 18
COWG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
COWG Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
COWG Omega Ratio Rank: 16
COWG Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
COWG Martin Ratio Rank: 21

VOT

VOT Risk / Return Rank: 16
VOT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
VOT Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
VOT Omega Ratio Rank: 16
VOT Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
VOT Martin Ratio Rank: 17

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

COWG vs. VOT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF (COWG) and Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	COWG	VOT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.52	0.52	0.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.81	0.83	-0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.10	1.10	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.81	0.55	+0.27
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.35	1.63	+0.72

COWG vs. VOT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current COWG Sharpe Ratio is 0.52, which is comparable to the VOT Sharpe Ratio of 0.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of COWG and VOT, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

COWG vs. VOT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum COWG drawdown since its inception was -23.60%, smaller than the maximum VOT drawdown of -60.16%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for COWG and VOT.

Drawdown Indicators

	COWG	VOT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.60%	-60.16%	+36.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.79%	-15.96%	+5.17%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.60%	-21.77%	-1.83%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-37.19%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-37.19%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.64%	-1.66%	-2.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.27%	-9.94%	+6.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.73%	5.35%	-1.62%

Volatility

COWG vs. VOT - Volatility Comparison

Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF (COWG) and Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) have volatilities of 7.09% and 7.04%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	COWG	VOT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.09%	7.04%	+0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.18%	13.68%	-0.50%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.02%	16.90%	+0.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.26%	21.53%	-2.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.26%	21.03%	-1.77%

COWG vs. VOT - Expense Ratio Comparison

COWG has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than VOT's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

COWG vs. VOT - Dividend Comparison

COWG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.38%, less than VOT's 0.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
COWG Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF	0.38%	0.32%	0.40%	0.47%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VOT Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF	0.61%	0.64%	0.67%	0.71%	0.78%	0.34%	0.56%	0.78%	0.84%	0.72%	0.81%	0.81%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both COWG and VOT in my portfolio?

COWG and VOT have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, COWG or VOT?

COWG has higher volatility (7.09%) compared to VOT (7.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, COWG dropped -23.60% vs VOT's -60.16%.

Which ETF is better, COWG or VOT?

On 3-year performance, COWG leads with 22.52% vs 15.82% for VOT. On fees, VOT is cheaper at 0.05% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, COWG or VOT?

Over the 3-year period, COWG has performed better with a 22.52% return vs 15.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, COWG or VOT?

VOT is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for COWG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, COWG or VOT?

VOT has the higher dividend yield at 0.61%, compared with 0.38% for COWG.

What is the main difference between COWG and VOT?

COWG tracks Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders Index, while VOT tracks CRSP US Mid Cap Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: Pacer and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for COWG and 0.05% for VOT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VOT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.52 vs 0.52), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.