COWZ vs. VXUS

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

COWZ (Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF) and VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - COWZ is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Pacer US Cash Cows 100 Index, while VXUS is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, COWZ returned 10.13%/yr vs 8.32%/yr for VXUS. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. COWZ charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VXUS.

Performance

COWZ vs. VXUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF (COWZ) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, COWZ achieves a 6.93% return, which is significantly lower than VXUS's 13.69% return.

COWZ

• 1D: 0.82%
• 1M: 1.92%
• YTD: 6.93%
• 6M: 6.01%
• 1Y: 19.20%
• 3Y*: 13.01%
• 5Y*: 10.13%
• 10Y*: —

VXUS

• 1D: 0.40%
• 1M: 3.09%
• YTD: 13.69%
• 6M: 15.52%
• 1Y: 30.12%
• 3Y*: 18.37%
• 5Y*: 8.32%
• 10Y*: 10.22%

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

COWZ vs. VXUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
COWZ Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF	6.93%	8.98%	10.64%	14.73%	0.19%	42.57%	11.65%	23.41%	-10.05%	20.22%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	13.69%	32.35%	5.08%	15.86%	-16.08%	8.98%	10.66%	21.75%	-14.43%	27.46%

Correlation

The correlation between COWZ and VXUS is 0.54, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.54
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.61
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 19, 2016	0.70

The correlation between COWZ and VXUS shifts across timeframes, from 0.54 (1 year) to 0.70 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

COWZ vs. VXUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	COWZ	VXUS
Healthcare	21.8%	7.1%
Energy	16.9%	5.2%
Technology	16.0%	18.1%
Consumer Cyclical	11.7%	8.4%
Consumer Defensive	10.9%	5.0%
Communication Services	10.4%	4.4%
Industrials	8.4%	16.1%
Basic Materials	3.7%	7.6%
Financial Services	-	22.3%
Real Estate	-	2.6%
Utilities	-	3.2%

Return for Risk

COWZ vs. VXUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

COWZ

COWZ Risk / Return Rank: 62
COWZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
COWZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
COWZ Omega Ratio Rank: 52
COWZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
COWZ Martin Ratio Rank: 62

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 61
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 63
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

COWZ vs. VXUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF (COWZ) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). 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.

	COWZ	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.63	1.77	-0.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.42	2.44	-0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.33	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.65	2.53	+1.12
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.73	9.72	+0.01

COWZ vs. VXUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current COWZ Sharpe Ratio is 1.63, which is comparable to the VXUS Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of COWZ and VXUS, 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

COWZ vs. VXUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum COWZ drawdown since its inception was -38.63%, which is greater than VXUS's maximum drawdown of -35.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for COWZ and VXUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	COWZ	VXUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.63%	-35.97%	-2.66%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.00%	-11.27%	+6.27%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.00%	-13.58%	-8.42%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.00%	-29.44%	+7.44%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.05%	-1.47%	-0.58%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.80%	-8.21%	+3.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.88%	2.93%	-1.05%

Volatility

COWZ vs. VXUS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF (COWZ) is 3.27%, while Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) has a volatility of 6.71%. This indicates that COWZ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VXUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	COWZ	VXUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.27%	6.71%	-3.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.20%	14.02%	-6.82%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.19%	16.09%	-4.90%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.64%	16.21%	+1.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.91%	17.20%	+2.71%

COWZ vs. VXUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

COWZ has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than VXUS's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

COWZ vs. VXUS - Dividend Comparison

COWZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.93%, less than VXUS's 2.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
COWZ Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF	1.93%	2.19%	1.82%	1.92%	1.96%	1.48%	2.54%	1.96%	1.67%	1.95%	0.13%	0.00%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.67%	3.18%	3.37%	3.24%	3.09%	3.10%	2.14%	3.06%	3.18%	2.73%	2.93%	2.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both COWZ and VXUS in my portfolio?

COWZ and VXUS have a correlation of 0.54, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, COWZ or VXUS?

VXUS has higher volatility (6.71%) compared to COWZ (3.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, COWZ dropped -38.63% vs VXUS's -35.97%.

Which ETF is better, COWZ or VXUS?

On 5-year performance, COWZ leads with 10.13% vs 8.32% for VXUS. On fees, VXUS is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, COWZ has been the lower-risk option at 3.27%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, COWZ or VXUS?

Over the 5-year period, COWZ has performed better with a 10.13% return vs 8.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, COWZ or VXUS?

VXUS is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for COWZ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, COWZ or VXUS?

VXUS has the higher dividend yield at 2.67%, compared with 1.93% for COWZ.

What is the main difference between COWZ and VXUS?

COWZ is categorized as Mid Cap Value Equities, while VXUS is Global Equities. COWZ tracks Pacer US Cash Cows 100 Index, while VXUS tracks FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. They also come from different issuers: Pacer and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for COWZ and 0.05% for VXUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VXUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs 1.63), 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.