MILK vs. VCIT

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

MILK (Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF) and VCIT (Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF) are both Corporate Bonds funds - MILK tracks the Solactive Pacer US Cash Cows Bond Index while VCIT tracks the Bloomberg U.S. 5-10 Year Corporate Bond Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, MILK returned 7.64% vs 5.37% for VCIT. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MILK charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VCIT.

Performance

MILK vs. VCIT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF (MILK) and Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MILK achieves a 2.37% return, which is significantly higher than VCIT's 0.22% return.

MILK

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

VCIT

• 1D: -0.23%
• 1M: 0.50%
• YTD: 0.22%
• 6M: 0.37%
• 1Y: 5.37%
• 3Y*: 6.06%
• 5Y*: 1.14%
• 10Y*: 2.86%

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

MILK vs. VCIT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MILK Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF	2.37%	7.49%	-1.49%
VCIT Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF	0.22%	9.34%	-0.96%

Correlation

The correlation between MILK and VCIT is 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 18, 2024	0.91

The correlation between MILK and VCIT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MILK vs. VCIT — Risk / Return Rank

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

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

VCIT

VCIT Risk / Return Rank: 37
VCIT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
VCIT Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
VCIT Omega Ratio Rank: 36
VCIT Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
VCIT Martin Ratio Rank: 38

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.

MILK vs. VCIT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF (MILK) and Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT). 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.

	MILK	VCIT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.49	1.31	+0.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.17	1.95	+0.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.23	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.05	1.82	+0.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.36	5.78	+1.58

MILK vs. VCIT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MILK Sharpe Ratio is 1.49, which is comparable to the VCIT Sharpe Ratio of 1.31. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MILK and VCIT, 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

MILK vs. VCIT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MILK drawdown since its inception was -6.16%, smaller than the maximum VCIT drawdown of -20.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MILK and VCIT.

Drawdown Indicators

	MILK	VCIT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.16%	-20.56%	+14.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.75%	-2.96%	-0.79%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-6.11%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-20.56%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-20.56%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.34%	-1.32%	+0.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.13%	-3.15%	+2.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.04%	0.93%	+0.11%

Volatility

MILK vs. VCIT - Volatility Comparison

Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF (MILK) and Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT) have volatilities of 1.26% and 1.23%, 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

	MILK	VCIT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.26%	1.23%	+0.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.82%	3.18%	+0.64%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.16%	4.11%	+1.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.70%	6.62%	+0.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.70%	6.29%	+0.41%

MILK vs. VCIT - Expense Ratio Comparison

MILK has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than VCIT's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

MILK vs. VCIT - Dividend Comparison

MILK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.03%, more than VCIT's 4.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%	0.00%	0.00%
VCIT Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF	4.80%	4.62%	4.43%	3.72%	3.03%	2.87%	2.78%	3.37%	3.61%	3.21%	3.29%	3.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MILK and VCIT in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, MILK and VCIT move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, MILK or VCIT?

MILK has higher volatility (1.26%) compared to VCIT (1.23%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MILK dropped -6.16% vs VCIT's -20.56%.

Which ETF is better, MILK or VCIT?

On 1-year performance, MILK leads with 7.64% vs 5.37% for VCIT. On fees, VCIT is cheaper at 0.03% 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, MILK or VCIT?

Over the 1-year period, MILK has performed better with a 7.64% return vs 5.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MILK or VCIT?

VCIT is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for MILK.

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

MILK has the higher dividend yield at 7.03%, compared with 4.80% for VCIT.

What is the main difference between MILK and VCIT?

MILK tracks Solactive Pacer US Cash Cows Bond Index, while VCIT tracks Bloomberg U.S. 5-10 Year Corporate Bond Index. They also come from different issuers: Pacer and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for MILK and 0.03% for VCIT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MILK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.49 vs 1.31), 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.