VBCB vs. MILK

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

VBCB (Vanguard Target Maturity 2028 Corporate Bond ETF) and MILK (Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF) are both Corporate Bonds funds - VBCB tracks the ICE 2028 Maturity US Corporate Constrained Index while MILK tracks the Solactive Pacer US Cash Cows Bond Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.80 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VBCB charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for MILK.

Performance

VBCB vs. MILK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Target Maturity 2028 Corporate Bond ETF (VBCB) and Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF (MILK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

VBCB

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: 0.35%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MILK

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: 1.13%
• YTD: 2.95%
• 6M: 2.61%
• 1Y: 7.83%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VBCB vs. MILK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
VBCB Vanguard Target Maturity 2028 Corporate Bond ETF	1.15%
MILK Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF	3.57%

Correlation

The correlation between VBCB and MILK is 0.80, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 26, 2026	0.80

Return for Risk

VBCB vs. MILK — Risk / Return Rank

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

VBCB

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

MILK

MILK Risk / Return Rank: 49
MILK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
MILK Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
MILK Omega Ratio Rank: 47
MILK Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
MILK Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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.

VBCB vs. MILK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Target Maturity 2028 Corporate Bond ETF (VBCB) 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.

	VBCB	MILK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.53	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.22	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.27	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	2.10	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	7.54	—

Drawdowns

VBCB vs. MILK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VBCB drawdown since its inception was -0.31%, smaller than the maximum MILK drawdown of -6.16%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VBCB and MILK.

Drawdown Indicators

	VBCB	MILK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-0.31%	-6.16%	+5.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-3.75%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.08%	-1.12%	+1.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.04%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VBCB	MILK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.28%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	3.80%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.46%	5.14%	-3.68%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.46%	6.68%	-5.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.46%	6.68%	-5.22%

VBCB vs. MILK - Expense Ratio Comparison

VBCB has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than MILK's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

VBCB vs. MILK - Dividend Comparison

VBCB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.42%, less than MILK's 7.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
MILK Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF	7.45%	6.97%
VBCB Vanguard Target Maturity 2028 Corporate Bond ETF	0.42%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VBCB and MILK in my portfolio?

VBCB and MILK have a correlation of 0.80, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VBCB or MILK?

On fees, VBCB is cheaper at 0.08% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VBCB or MILK?

VBCB is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for MILK.

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

MILK has the higher dividend yield at 7.45%, compared with 0.42% for VBCB.

What is the main difference between VBCB and MILK?

VBCB tracks ICE 2028 Maturity US Corporate Constrained Index, while MILK tracks Solactive Pacer US Cash Cows Bond Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for VBCB and 0.49% for MILK.