ICOW vs. VEA

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

ICOW (Pacer Developed Markets International Cash Cows 100 ETF) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds - ICOW tracks the Pacer Developed Markets International Cash Cows 100 Index while VEA tracks the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, ICOW returned 8.62%/yr vs 9.47%/yr for VEA. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ICOW charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VEA.

Performance

ICOW vs. VEA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer Developed Markets International Cash Cows 100 ETF (ICOW) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ICOW achieves a 8.24% return, which is significantly lower than VEA's 13.29% return.

ICOW

• 1D: -0.37%
• 1M: -6.80%
• YTD: 8.24%
• 6M: 7.93%
• 1Y: 26.63%
• 3Y*: 16.72%
• 5Y*: 8.62%
• 10Y*: —

VEA

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: 0.27%
• YTD: 13.29%
• 6M: 12.91%
• 1Y: 28.78%
• 3Y*: 19.54%
• 5Y*: 9.47%
• 10Y*: 10.74%

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

ICOW vs. VEA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ICOW Pacer Developed Markets International Cash Cows 100 ETF	8.24%	36.95%	-2.59%	18.94%	-7.98%	11.52%	7.20%	17.91%	-16.09%	16.93%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	13.29%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-15.34%	11.66%	9.71%	22.62%	-14.75%	10.09%

Correlation

The correlation between ICOW and VEA is 0.85, 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	0.85
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 19, 2017	0.87

The correlation between ICOW and VEA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

ICOW vs. VEA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ICOW	VEA
Industrials	29.1%	17.5%
Energy	21.3%	4.7%
Consumer Cyclical	12.7%	7.4%
Communication Services	8.7%	3.2%
Consumer Defensive	8.1%	5.5%
Technology	7.8%	16.6%
Healthcare	6.7%	7.6%
Basic Materials	5.6%	7.5%
Financial Services	-	22.3%
Real Estate	-	2.5%
Utilities	-	3.0%

Return for Risk

ICOW vs. VEA — Risk / Return Rank

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

ICOW

ICOW Risk / Return Rank: 63
ICOW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
ICOW Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
ICOW Omega Ratio Rank: 58
ICOW Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
ICOW Martin Ratio Rank: 65

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 57
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 57
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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.

ICOW vs. VEA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Developed Markets International Cash Cows 100 ETF (ICOW) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). 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.

	ICOW	VEA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.81	1.73	+0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.42	2.38	+0.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.32	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.20	2.49	+0.72
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.66	9.55	+1.11

ICOW vs. VEA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ICOW Sharpe Ratio is 1.81, which is comparable to the VEA Sharpe Ratio of 1.73. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ICOW and VEA, 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

ICOW vs. VEA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ICOW drawdown since its inception was -43.49%, smaller than the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ICOW and VEA.

Drawdown Indicators

	ICOW	VEA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.49%	-60.68%	+17.19%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.35%	-11.63%	+3.28%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.81%	-13.45%	-1.36%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.79%	-29.71%	+1.92%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.73%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.35%	-2.91%	-5.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.56%	-13.26%	+5.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.50%	3.02%	-0.52%

Volatility

ICOW vs. VEA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Pacer Developed Markets International Cash Cows 100 ETF (ICOW) is 5.83%, while Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) has a volatility of 7.08%. This indicates that ICOW experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VEA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ICOW	VEA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.83%	7.08%	-1.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.91%	14.73%	-2.82%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.75%	16.78%	-2.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.77%	16.76%	+0.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.50%	17.20%	+1.30%

ICOW vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison

ICOW has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than VEA's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

ICOW vs. VEA - Dividend Comparison

ICOW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.36%, less than VEA's 2.58% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ICOW Pacer Developed Markets International Cash Cows 100 ETF	2.36%	3.03%	4.39%	3.61%	5.26%	2.11%	2.46%	3.10%	2.61%	0.80%	0.00%	0.00%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.58%	3.22%	3.35%	3.15%	2.91%	3.16%	2.04%	3.04%	3.35%	2.77%	3.05%	2.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ICOW and VEA in my portfolio?

ICOW and VEA have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ICOW or VEA?

VEA has higher volatility (7.08%) compared to ICOW (5.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ICOW dropped -43.49% vs VEA's -60.68%.

Which ETF is better, ICOW or VEA?

On 5-year performance, VEA leads with 9.47% vs 8.62% for ICOW. On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, ICOW has been the lower-risk option at 5.83%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ICOW or VEA?

Over the 5-year period, VEA has performed better with a 9.47% return vs 8.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ICOW or VEA?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for ICOW.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ICOW or VEA?

VEA has the higher dividend yield at 2.58%, compared with 2.36% for ICOW.

What is the main difference between ICOW and VEA?

ICOW tracks Pacer Developed Markets International Cash Cows 100 Index, while VEA tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. They also come from different issuers: Pacer and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for ICOW and 0.03% for VEA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ICOW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.81 vs 1.73), 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.