VYM vs. GCOW

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF) and GCOW (Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VYM is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index, while GCOW is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividends Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VYM returned 11.90%/yr vs 9.91%/yr for GCOW. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VYM charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for GCOW.

Performance

VYM vs. GCOW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) and Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF (GCOW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with VYM having a 12.47% return and GCOW slightly lower at 12.18%. Over the past 10 years, VYM has outperformed GCOW with an annualized return of 11.90%, while GCOW has yielded a comparatively lower 9.91% annualized return.

VYM

• 1D: -0.43%
• 1M: 3.38%
• YTD: 12.47%
• 6M: 12.01%
• 1Y: 26.16%
• 3Y*: 18.88%
• 5Y*: 11.48%
• 10Y*: 11.90%

GCOW

• 1D: -0.56%
• 1M: 0.09%
• YTD: 12.18%
• 6M: 13.23%
• 1Y: 27.12%
• 3Y*: 17.41%
• 5Y*: 12.34%
• 10Y*: 9.91%

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

VYM vs. GCOW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	12.47%	15.42%	17.60%	6.57%	-0.43%	26.20%	1.15%	24.06%	-5.92%	16.42%
GCOW Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF	12.18%	27.34%	3.52%	13.95%	5.49%	14.58%	-4.33%	17.81%	-7.99%	20.71%

Correlation

The correlation between VYM and GCOW is 0.62, 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	0.62
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.68
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 24, 2016	0.77

The correlation between VYM and GCOW shifts across timeframes, from 0.62 (1 year) to 0.77 (10 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VYM vs. GCOW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VYM	GCOW
Financial Services	20.5%	-
Technology	17.7%	0.9%
Healthcare	12.2%	14.6%
Industrials	12.1%	12.4%
Energy	9.8%	24.4%
Consumer Defensive	8.1%	17.1%
Consumer Cyclical	6.7%	4.6%
Utilities	5.7%	4.1%
Communication Services	3.5%	14.6%
Basic Materials	3.5%	7.3%
Real Estate	0.0%	-

Return for Risk

VYM vs. GCOW — Risk / Return Rank

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

VYM

VYM Risk / Return Rank: 77
VYM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
VYM Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
VYM Omega Ratio Rank: 76
VYM Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
VYM Martin Ratio Rank: 75

GCOW

GCOW Risk / Return Rank: 79
GCOW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
GCOW Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
GCOW Omega Ratio Rank: 72
GCOW Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
GCOW Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

VYM vs. GCOW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) and Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF (GCOW). 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.

	VYM	GCOW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.56	2.52	+0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.65	3.63	+0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.44	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.93	5.71	-1.79
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.76	15.05	-0.29
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VYM vs. GCOW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VYM Sharpe Ratio is 2.56, which is comparable to the GCOW Sharpe Ratio of 2.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VYM and GCOW, 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

	VYM	GCOW	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.56	2.52	+0.04
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83	0.92	-0.09
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.73	0.61	+0.12
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.51	0.59	-0.08

Drawdowns

VYM vs. GCOW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VYM drawdown since its inception was -56.98%, which is greater than GCOW's maximum drawdown of -37.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VYM and GCOW.

Drawdown Indicators

	VYM	GCOW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.98%	-37.64%	-19.34%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.69%	-4.77%	-1.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.46%	-12.35%	-2.11%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.84%	-21.48%	+5.64%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.21%	-37.64%	+2.43%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.43%	-2.73%	+2.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.19%	-5.84%	-1.35%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.78%	1.81%	-0.03%

Volatility

VYM vs. GCOW - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) and Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF (GCOW) have volatilities of 2.77% and 2.85%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VYM	GCOW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.77%	2.85%	-0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.67%	7.99%	-0.32%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.28%	10.81%	-0.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.96%	13.49%	+0.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.34%	16.20%	+0.14%

VYM vs. GCOW - Expense Ratio Comparison

VYM has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than GCOW's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

VYM vs. GCOW - Dividend Comparison

VYM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.19%, less than GCOW's 4.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GCOW Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF	4.43%	4.06%	5.14%	5.28%	4.39%	4.23%	4.12%	4.40%	3.94%	2.79%	1.95%	0.00%
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	2.19%	2.44%	2.74%	3.12%	3.01%	2.76%	3.18%	3.03%	3.40%	2.80%	2.91%	3.22%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VYM and GCOW in my portfolio?

VYM and GCOW have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VYM or GCOW?

GCOW has higher volatility (2.85%) compared to VYM (2.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VYM dropped -56.98% vs GCOW's -37.64%.

Which ETF is better, VYM or GCOW?

On 10-year performance, VYM leads with 11.90% vs 9.91% for GCOW. On fees, VYM is cheaper at 0.04% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VYM or GCOW?

Over the 10-year period, VYM has performed better with a 11.90% return vs 9.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VYM or GCOW?

VYM is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for GCOW.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VYM or GCOW?

GCOW has the higher dividend yield at 4.43%, compared with 2.19% for VYM.

What is the main difference between VYM and GCOW?

VYM is categorized as Dividend, while GCOW is Large Cap Value Equities. VYM tracks FTSE High Dividend Yield Index, while GCOW tracks Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividends Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.04% for VYM and 0.60% for GCOW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VYM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.56 vs 2.52), 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.