VCIT vs. MILK

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VCIT (Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF) and MILK (Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF) are both Corporate Bonds funds - VCIT tracks the Barclays U.S. 5-10 Year Corp Index while MILK tracks the Solactive Pacer US Cash Cows Bond Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, VCIT returned 6.13% vs 9.23% for MILK. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VCIT charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for MILK.

Performance

VCIT vs. MILK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT) 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, VCIT achieves a 0.18% return, which is significantly lower than MILK's 2.18% return.

VCIT

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 0.28%
• YTD: 0.18%
• 6M: 0.07%
• 1Y: 6.13%
• 3Y*: 6.00%
• 5Y*: 1.22%
• 10Y*: 2.93%

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)

VCIT vs. MILK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
VCIT Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF	0.18%	9.34%	0.07%
MILK Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF	2.18%	7.49%	-0.35%

Correlation

The correlation between VCIT 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	0.91

The correlation between VCIT and MILK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VCIT vs. MILK — Risk / Return Rank

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

VCIT

VCIT Risk / Return Rank: 42
VCIT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
VCIT Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
VCIT Omega Ratio Rank: 40
VCIT Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
VCIT Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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.

VCIT vs. MILK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT) 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.

	VCIT	MILK	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.50	1.78	-0.28
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.22	2.59	-0.37
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.32	-0.05
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.08	2.47	-0.39
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	6.95	8.90	-1.95
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VCIT vs. MILK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VCIT Sharpe Ratio is 1.50, which is comparable to the MILK Sharpe Ratio of 1.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VCIT 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

	VCIT	MILK	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.50	1.78	-0.28
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.19	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.47	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.75	0.97	-0.21

Drawdowns

VCIT vs. MILK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VCIT drawdown since its inception was -20.56%, which is greater than MILK's maximum drawdown of -6.16%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VCIT and MILK.

Drawdown Indicators

	VCIT	MILK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.56%	-6.16%	-14.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.96%	-3.75%	+0.79%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.11%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.56%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-20.56%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.36%	-0.24%	-1.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.16%	-1.09%	-2.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.88%	1.04%	-0.16%

Volatility

VCIT vs. MILK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT) is 1.38%, while Pacer US Cash Cows Bond ETF (MILK) has a volatility of 1.58%. This indicates that VCIT 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

	VCIT	MILK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.38%	1.58%	-0.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.06%	3.78%	-0.72%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.10%	5.21%	-1.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.61%	6.69%	-0.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.28%	6.69%	-0.41%

VCIT vs. MILK - Expense Ratio Comparison

VCIT has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than MILK's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

VCIT vs. MILK - Dividend Comparison

VCIT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.80%, less than MILK's 7.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%	0.00%	0.00%
VCIT Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF	4.80%	4.62%	4.43%	3.72%	3.03%	2.87%	2.78%	3.37%	3.61%	3.21%	3.29%	3.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VCIT and MILK in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, VCIT 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, VCIT or MILK?

MILK has higher volatility (1.58%) compared to VCIT (1.38%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VCIT dropped -20.56% vs MILK's -6.16%.

Which ETF is better, VCIT or MILK?

On 1-year performance, MILK leads with 9.23% vs 6.13% for VCIT. On fees, VCIT is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, VCIT has been the lower-risk option at 1.38%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VCIT or MILK?

Over the 1-year period, MILK has performed better with a 9.23% return vs 6.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VCIT or MILK?

VCIT is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for MILK.

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

MILK has the higher dividend yield at 7.04%, compared with 4.80% for VCIT.

What is the main difference between VCIT and MILK?

VCIT tracks Barclays U.S. 5-10 Year Corp Index, while MILK tracks Solactive Pacer US Cash Cows Bond Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.04% for VCIT and 0.49% for MILK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MILK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.78 vs 1.50), 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.