VBCI vs. MILK

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

VBCI (Vanguard Target Maturity 2035 Corporate Bond ETF) and MILK (Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF) are both Corporate Bonds funds - VBCI tracks the ICE 2035 Maturity US Corporate Constrained Index while MILK tracks the Solactive Pacer US Cash Cows Bond Index. Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VBCI charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for MILK.

Performance

VBCI vs. MILK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Target Maturity 2035 Corporate Bond ETF (VBCI) and Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF (MILK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

VBCI

• 1D: -0.18%
• 1M: -0.56%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MILK

• 1D: -0.26%
• 1M: -0.56%
• 6M: 1.29%
• YTD: 1.91%
• 1Y: 6.79%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VBCI vs. MILK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
VBCI Vanguard Target Maturity 2035 Corporate Bond ETF	1.16%
MILK Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF	2.53%

Correlation

The correlation between VBCI and MILK is 0.94, 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 26, 2026	0.94

Return for Risk

VBCI vs. MILK — Risk / Return Rank

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

VBCI

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

MILK

MILK Risk / Return Rank: 42
MILK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
MILK Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
MILK Omega Ratio Rank: 40
MILK Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
MILK Martin Ratio Rank: 46

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.

VBCI vs. MILK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Target Maturity 2035 Corporate Bond ETF (VBCI) 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.

	VBCI	MILK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.23	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.78	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.21	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	1.65	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	6.04	—

Drawdowns

VBCI vs. MILK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VBCI drawdown since its inception was -2.21%, smaller than the maximum MILK drawdown of -6.16%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VBCI and MILK.

Drawdown Indicators

	VBCI	MILK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.21%	-6.16%	+3.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-3.75%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.23%	-1.19%	-0.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.60%	-1.11%	+0.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.03%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VBCI	MILK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.26%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	3.82%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.42%	5.05%	+0.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.42%	6.63%	-1.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.42%	6.63%	-1.21%

VBCI vs. MILK - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

VBCI vs. MILK - Dividend Comparison

VBCI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.28%, less than MILK's 7.00% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
MILK Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF	7.00%	6.97%
VBCI Vanguard Target Maturity 2035 Corporate Bond ETF	1.28%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VBCI and MILK in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, VBCI and MILK 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 ETF is better, VBCI or MILK?

On fees, VBCI 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, VBCI or MILK?

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

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

MILK has the higher dividend yield at 7.00%, compared with 1.28% for VBCI.

What is the main difference between VBCI and MILK?

VBCI tracks ICE 2035 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 VBCI and 0.49% for MILK.