VCEB vs. MILK

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VCEB (Vanguard ESG U.S. Corporate Bond ETF) and MILK (Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF) are both Corporate Bonds funds - VCEB tracks the Bloomberg Barclays MSCI US Corp SRI Select Index while MILK tracks the Solactive Pacer US Cash Cows Bond Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, VCEB returned 5.34% vs 9.23% for MILK. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VCEB charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for MILK.

Performance

VCEB vs. MILK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard ESG U.S. Corporate Bond ETF (VCEB) 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, VCEB achieves a 0.32% return, which is significantly lower than MILK's 2.18% return.

VCEB

• 1D: -0.18%
• 1M: 0.67%
• YTD: 0.32%
• 6M: 0.15%
• 1Y: 5.34%
• 3Y*: 5.05%
• 5Y*: 0.51%
• 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)

VCEB vs. MILK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
VCEB Vanguard ESG U.S. Corporate Bond ETF	0.32%	7.48%	-0.12%
MILK Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF	2.18%	7.49%	-0.35%

Correlation

The correlation between VCEB and MILK is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 19, 2024	0.93

The correlation between VCEB and MILK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VCEB vs. MILK — Risk / Return Rank

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

VCEB

VCEB Risk / Return Rank: 36
VCEB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
VCEB Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
VCEB Omega Ratio Rank: 33
VCEB Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
VCEB Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

VCEB vs. MILK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard ESG U.S. Corporate Bond ETF (VCEB) 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.

	VCEB	MILK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.28	1.78	-0.50
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.87	2.59	-0.71
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.32	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.90	2.47	-0.57
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.87	8.90	-3.02
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VCEB vs. MILK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VCEB Sharpe Ratio is 1.28, which is comparable to the MILK Sharpe Ratio of 1.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VCEB 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

	VCEB	MILK	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.28	1.78	-0.50
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.08	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.05	0.97	-0.92

Drawdowns

VCEB vs. MILK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VCEB drawdown since its inception was -21.60%, which is greater than MILK's maximum drawdown of -6.16%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VCEB and MILK.

Drawdown Indicators

	VCEB	MILK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.60%	-6.16%	-15.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.82%	-3.75%	+0.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.09%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.39%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.05%	-0.24%	-0.81%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.63%	-1.09%	-6.54%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.91%	1.04%	-0.13%

Volatility

VCEB vs. MILK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard ESG U.S. Corporate Bond ETF (VCEB) is 1.32%, while Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF (MILK) has a volatility of 1.58%. This indicates that VCEB 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

	VCEB	MILK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.32%	1.58%	-0.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.11%	3.78%	-0.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.19%	5.21%	-1.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.84%	6.69%	+0.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.66%	6.69%	-0.03%

VCEB vs. MILK - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

VCEB vs. MILK - Dividend Comparison

VCEB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.65%, less than MILK's 7.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
MILK Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF	7.04%	6.97%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VCEB Vanguard ESG U.S. Corporate Bond ETF	4.65%	4.57%	4.47%	3.70%	2.84%	1.69%	0.43%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VCEB and MILK in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, VCEB 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 is riskier, VCEB or MILK?

MILK has higher volatility (1.58%) compared to VCEB (1.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VCEB dropped -21.60% vs MILK's -6.16%.

Which ETF is better, VCEB or MILK?

On 1-year performance, MILK leads with 9.23% vs 5.34% for VCEB. On fees, VCEB is cheaper at 0.12% per year. On volatility, VCEB has been the lower-risk option at 1.32%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VCEB or MILK?

Over the 1-year period, MILK has performed better with a 9.23% return vs 5.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VCEB or MILK?

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

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

MILK has the higher dividend yield at 7.04%, compared with 4.65% for VCEB.

What is the main difference between VCEB and MILK?

VCEB tracks Bloomberg Barclays MSCI US Corp SRI Select Index, while MILK tracks Solactive Pacer US Cash Cows Bond Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for VCEB and 0.49% for MILK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MILK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.78 vs 1.28), 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.