SUSB vs. MILK

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SUSB (iShares ESG 1-5 Year USD Corporate Bond ETF) and MILK (Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF) are both Corporate Bonds funds - SUSB tracks the Bloomberg Barclays MSCI US Corporate 1-5 Year ESG Focus Index while MILK tracks the Solactive Pacer US Cash Cows Bond Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, SUSB returned 4.51% vs 9.23% for MILK. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SUSB charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for MILK.

Performance

SUSB vs. MILK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares ESG 1-5 Year USD Corporate Bond ETF (SUSB) 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, SUSB achieves a 0.57% return, which is significantly lower than MILK's 2.18% return.

SUSB

• 1D: -0.08%
• 1M: 0.22%
• YTD: 0.57%
• 6M: 0.92%
• 1Y: 4.51%
• 3Y*: 5.45%
• 5Y*: 2.20%
• 10Y*: —

MILK

• 1D: -0.24%
• 1M: 1.10%
• YTD: 2.18%
• 6M: 1.55%
• 1Y: 9.23%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SUSB vs. MILK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SUSB iShares ESG 1-5 Year USD Corporate Bond ETF	0.57%	6.81%	0.37%
MILK Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF	2.18%	7.49%	-0.35%

Correlation

The correlation between SUSB and MILK is 0.78, 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	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 19, 2024	0.75

The correlation between SUSB and MILK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.75 to 0.78 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SUSB vs. MILK — Risk / Return Rank

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

SUSB

SUSB Risk / Return Rank: 71
SUSB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
SUSB Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
SUSB Omega Ratio Rank: 76
SUSB Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
SUSB Martin Ratio Rank: 68

MILK

MILK Risk / Return Rank: 52
MILK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
MILK Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
MILK Omega Ratio Rank: 51
MILK Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
MILK Martin Ratio Rank: 53

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.

SUSB vs. MILK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares ESG 1-5 Year USD Corporate Bond ETF (SUSB) 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.

	SUSB	MILK	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.34	1.78	+0.56
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.66	2.59	+1.07
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.32	+0.13
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.05	2.47	+0.58
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	12.47	8.90	+3.57
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SUSB vs. MILK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SUSB Sharpe Ratio is 2.34, which is higher than the MILK Sharpe Ratio of 1.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SUSB 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SUSB	MILK	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.34	1.78	+0.56
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.75	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.72	0.97	-0.25

Drawdowns

SUSB vs. MILK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SUSB drawdown since its inception was -13.25%, which is greater than MILK's maximum drawdown of -6.16%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SUSB and MILK.

Drawdown Indicators

	SUSB	MILK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.25%	-6.16%	-7.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.49%	-3.75%	+2.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-1.49%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-9.57%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.35%	-0.24%	-0.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.58%	-1.09%	-0.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.36%	1.04%	-0.68%

Volatility

SUSB vs. MILK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares ESG 1-5 Year USD Corporate Bond ETF (SUSB) is 0.64%, while Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF (MILK) has a volatility of 1.58%. This indicates that SUSB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MILK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SUSB	MILK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.64%	1.58%	-0.94%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.41%	3.78%	-2.37%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.93%	5.21%	-3.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.96%	6.69%	-3.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.72%	6.69%	-2.97%

SUSB vs. MILK - Expense Ratio Comparison

SUSB has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is lower than MILK's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

SUSB vs. MILK - Dividend Comparison

SUSB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.50%, less than MILK's 7.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MILK Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF	7.04%	6.97%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SUSB iShares ESG 1-5 Year USD Corporate Bond ETF	4.50%	4.40%	3.81%	2.81%	1.74%	1.30%	1.91%	2.83%	2.61%	0.96%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SUSB and MILK in my portfolio?

SUSB and MILK have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SUSB or MILK?

MILK has higher volatility (1.58%) compared to SUSB (0.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SUSB dropped -13.25% vs MILK's -6.16%.

Which ETF is better, SUSB or MILK?

On 1-year performance, MILK leads with 9.23% vs 4.51% for SUSB. On fees, SUSB is cheaper at 0.12% per year. On volatility, SUSB has been the lower-risk option at 0.64%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SUSB or MILK?

Over the 1-year period, MILK has performed better with a 9.23% return vs 4.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SUSB or MILK?

SUSB is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for MILK.

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

MILK has the higher dividend yield at 7.04%, compared with 4.50% for SUSB.

What is the main difference between SUSB and MILK?

SUSB tracks Bloomberg Barclays MSCI US Corporate 1-5 Year ESG Focus Index, while MILK tracks Solactive Pacer US Cash Cows Bond Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for SUSB and 0.49% for MILK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SUSB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.34 vs 1.78), 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.