VSIAX vs. COWZ

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

VSIAX (Vanguard Small-Cap Value Index Fund Admiral Shares) and COWZ (Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF) are both funds - VSIAX is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Value Index, while COWZ is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Pacer US Cash Cows 100 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, VSIAX returned 10.27%/yr vs 10.54%/yr for COWZ. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VSIAX charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for COWZ.

Performance

VSIAX vs. COWZ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Small-Cap Value Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSIAX) and Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF (COWZ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VSIAX achieves a 16.42% return, which is significantly higher than COWZ's 8.02% return.

VSIAX

• 1D: -0.65%
• 1M: 2.83%
• 6M: 9.60%
• YTD: 16.42%
• 1Y: 24.20%
• 3Y*: 14.80%
• 5Y*: 10.27%
• 10Y*: 10.66%
• ALL TIME*: 12.39%

COWZ

• 1D: -0.34%
• 1M: 4.66%
• 6M: 5.39%
• YTD: 8.02%
• 1Y: 18.38%
• 3Y*: 11.05%
• 5Y*: 10.54%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 12.62%

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

VSIAX vs. COWZ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VSIAX Vanguard Small-Cap Value Index Fund Admiral Shares	16.42%	9.09%	11.34%	17.06%	-9.31%	28.10%	5.80%	22.76%	-12.24%	11.80%
COWZ Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF	8.02%	8.98%	10.64%	14.73%	0.19%	42.57%	11.65%	23.41%	-10.05%	20.22%

Correlation

The correlation between VSIAX and COWZ is 0.73, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.73
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.83
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 19, 2016	0.88

The correlation between VSIAX and COWZ shifts across timeframes, from 0.73 (1 year) to 0.88 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VSIAX vs. COWZ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VSIAX	COWZ
Financial Services	17.5%	-
Industrials	17.4%	8.4%
Consumer Cyclical	12.5%	14.3%
Technology	12.1%	22.9%
Real Estate	10.5%	-
Healthcare	8.3%	19.9%
Basic Materials	6.0%	4.0%
Utilities	4.6%	-
Energy	4.3%	11.2%
Consumer Defensive	4.0%	10.6%
Communication Services	2.8%	8.8%

Return for Risk

VSIAX vs. COWZ — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSIAX

VSIAX Risk / Return Rank: 58
VSIAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
VSIAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
VSIAX Omega Ratio Rank: 46
VSIAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
VSIAX Martin Ratio Rank: 63

COWZ

COWZ Risk / Return Rank: 69
COWZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
COWZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
COWZ Omega Ratio Rank: 63
COWZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
COWZ Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

VSIAX vs. COWZ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Small-Cap Value Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSIAX) and Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF (COWZ). 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.

	VSIAX	COWZ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.62	1.61	+0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.42	2.38	+0.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.28	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.73	3.10	-0.38
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.71	8.70	+1.01

VSIAX vs. COWZ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSIAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.62, which is comparable to the COWZ Sharpe Ratio of 1.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSIAX and COWZ, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

VSIAX vs. COWZ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSIAX drawdown since its inception was -45.39%, which is greater than COWZ's maximum drawdown of -38.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSIAX and COWZ.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSIAX	COWZ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.39%	-38.63%	-6.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.87%	-5.95%	-2.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.09%	-22.00%	-2.09%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.09%	-22.00%	-2.09%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.39%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.65%	-1.06%	+0.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.45%	-4.78%	-0.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.49%	2.12%	+0.37%

Volatility

VSIAX vs. COWZ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Small-Cap Value Index Fund Admiral Shares (VSIAX) is 3.27%, while Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF (COWZ) has a volatility of 3.90%. This indicates that VSIAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than COWZ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VSIAX	COWZ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.27%	3.90%	-0.63%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.52%	8.09%	+2.43%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.00%	11.51%	+3.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.64%	17.63%	+2.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.37%	19.86%	+2.51%

VSIAX vs. COWZ - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSIAX has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than COWZ's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

VSIAX vs. COWZ - Dividend Comparison

VSIAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.76%, less than COWZ's 1.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
COWZ Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF	1.91%	2.19%	1.82%	1.92%	1.96%	1.48%	2.54%	1.96%	1.67%	1.95%	0.13%	0.00%
VSIAX Vanguard Small-Cap Value Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.76%	1.95%	1.98%	2.10%	2.03%	1.75%	1.68%	2.06%	2.35%	1.79%	1.77%	1.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSIAX and COWZ in my portfolio?

VSIAX and COWZ have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VSIAX or COWZ?

COWZ has higher volatility (3.90%) compared to VSIAX (3.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSIAX dropped -45.39% vs COWZ's -38.63%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSIAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.61 vs 1.61), 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.