VBCD vs. MILK

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

VBCD (Vanguard Target Maturity 2030 Corporate Bond ETF) and MILK (Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF) are both Corporate Bonds funds - VBCD tracks the ICE 2030 Maturity US Corporate Constrained Index while MILK tracks the Solactive Pacer US Cash Cows Bond Index. Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VBCD charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for MILK.

Performance

VBCD vs. MILK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Target Maturity 2030 Corporate Bond ETF (VBCD) and Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF (MILK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

VBCD

• 1D: -0.37%
• 1M: -0.57%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MILK

• 1D: -0.62%
• 1M: -0.22%
• YTD: 1.77%
• 6M: 1.50%
• 1Y: 8.23%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VBCD vs. MILK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
VBCD Vanguard Target Maturity 2030 Corporate Bond ETF	0.85%
MILK Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF	3.15%

Correlation

The correlation between VBCD and MILK is 0.89, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 27, 2026	0.89

Return for Risk

VBCD vs. MILK — Risk / Return Rank

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

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.

VBCD vs. MILK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Target Maturity 2030 Corporate Bond ETF (VBCD) 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VBCD	MILK	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.59	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.47	0.92	+0.55

Drawdowns

VBCD vs. MILK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VBCD drawdown since its inception was -1.23%, smaller than the maximum MILK drawdown of -6.16%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VBCD and MILK.

Drawdown Indicators

	VBCD	MILK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.23%	-6.16%	+4.93%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-3.75%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.81%	-0.65%	-0.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.37%	-1.08%	+0.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.04%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VBCD	MILK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.61%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	3.81%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.04%	5.20%	-2.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.04%	6.69%	-3.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.04%	6.69%	-3.65%

VBCD vs. MILK - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

VBCD vs. MILK - Dividend Comparison

VBCD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.48%, less than MILK's 7.07% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
MILK Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF	7.07%	6.97%
VBCD Vanguard Target Maturity 2030 Corporate Bond ETF	0.48%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VBCD and MILK in my portfolio?

VBCD and MILK have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VBCD or MILK?

On fees, VBCD 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, VBCD or MILK?

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

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

MILK has the higher dividend yield at 7.07%, compared with 0.48% for VBCD.

What is the main difference between VBCD and MILK?

VBCD tracks ICE 2030 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 VBCD and 0.49% for MILK.