FFIU vs. MILK

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FFIU (UVA Unconstrained Medium-Term Fixed Income ETF) and MILK (Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF) are both Corporate Bonds funds. FFIU is actively managed, while MILK is passively managed. Over the past year, FFIU returned 4.65% vs 7.64% for MILK. A 0.56 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FFIU charges 0.51%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for MILK.

Performance

FFIU vs. MILK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in UVA Unconstrained Medium-Term Fixed Income ETF (FFIU) and Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF (MILK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FFIU achieves a -0.37% return, which is significantly lower than MILK's 2.37% return.

FFIU

• 1D: -0.52%
• 1M: 1.19%
• YTD: -0.37%
• 6M: 0.70%
• 1Y: 4.65%
• 3Y*: 4.04%
• 5Y*: -0.16%
• 10Y*: —

MILK

• 1D: -0.26%
• 1M: 0.86%
• YTD: 2.37%
• 6M: 2.72%
• 1Y: 7.64%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FFIU vs. MILK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
FFIU UVA Unconstrained Medium-Term Fixed Income ETF	-0.37%	8.55%	-2.14%
MILK Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF	2.37%	7.49%	-1.49%

Correlation

The correlation between FFIU and MILK is 0.59, 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	0.59
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 18, 2024	0.56

The correlation between FFIU and MILK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.56 to 0.59 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FFIU vs. MILK — Risk / Return Rank

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

FFIU

FFIU Risk / Return Rank: 18
FFIU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
FFIU Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
FFIU Omega Ratio Rank: 17
FFIU Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
FFIU Martin Ratio Rank: 19

MILK

MILK Risk / Return Rank: 44
MILK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
MILK Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
MILK Omega Ratio Rank: 42
MILK Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
MILK Martin Ratio Rank: 46

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.

FFIU vs. MILK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for UVA Unconstrained Medium-Term Fixed Income ETF (FFIU) and Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF (MILK). 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.

	FFIU	MILK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.57	1.49	-0.92
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.89	2.17	-1.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.11	1.26	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.97	2.05	-1.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.06	7.36	-5.30

FFIU vs. MILK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FFIU Sharpe Ratio is 0.57, which is lower than the MILK Sharpe Ratio of 1.49. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FFIU and MILK, 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

FFIU vs. MILK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FFIU drawdown since its inception was -20.43%, which is greater than MILK's maximum drawdown of -6.16%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FFIU and MILK.

Drawdown Indicators

	FFIU	MILK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.43%	-6.16%	-14.27%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.79%	-3.75%	-1.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-7.26%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.43%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.78%	-0.34%	-2.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.41%	-1.13%	-4.28%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.26%	1.04%	+1.22%

Volatility

FFIU vs. MILK - Volatility Comparison

UVA Unconstrained Medium-Term Fixed Income ETF (FFIU) has a higher volatility of 1.46% compared to Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF (MILK) at 1.26%. This indicates that FFIU's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MILK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FFIU	MILK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.46%	1.26%	+0.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.75%	3.82%	+0.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.20%	5.16%	+3.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.14%	6.70%	+1.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.20%	6.70%	+0.50%

FFIU vs. MILK - Expense Ratio Comparison

FFIU has a 0.51% expense ratio, which is higher than MILK's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

FFIU vs. MILK - Dividend Comparison

FFIU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.99%, less than MILK's 7.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FFIU UVA Unconstrained Medium-Term Fixed Income ETF	3.99%	3.89%	4.06%	3.78%	3.23%	3.24%	2.73%	2.90%	2.62%	0.66%
MILK Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF	7.03%	6.97%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FFIU and MILK in my portfolio?

FFIU and MILK have a correlation of 0.59, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FFIU or MILK?

FFIU has higher volatility (1.46%) compared to MILK (1.26%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FFIU dropped -20.43% vs MILK's -6.16%.

Which ETF is better, FFIU or MILK?

On 1-year performance, MILK leads with 7.64% vs 4.65% for FFIU. On fees, MILK is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, MILK has been the lower-risk option at 1.26%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FFIU or MILK?

Over the 1-year period, MILK has performed better with a 7.64% return vs 4.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FFIU or MILK?

MILK is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.51% for FFIU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FFIU or MILK?

MILK has the higher dividend yield at 7.03%, compared with 3.99% for FFIU.

What is the main difference between FFIU and MILK?

They also come from different issuers: Mcivy Co. LLC and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.51% for FFIU and 0.49% for MILK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MILK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.49 vs 0.57), 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.