VYMI vs. COWZ

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

VYMI (Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF) and COWZ (Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VYMI is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE All-World ex US High Dividend Yield 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, VYMI returned 11.79%/yr vs 10.11%/yr for COWZ. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VYMI charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for COWZ.

Performance

VYMI vs. COWZ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) 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, VYMI achieves a 10.04% return, which is significantly higher than COWZ's 6.41% return.

VYMI

• 1D: 0.24%
• 1M: -1.37%
• YTD: 10.04%
• 6M: 13.58%
• 1Y: 27.88%
• 3Y*: 20.99%
• 5Y*: 11.79%
• 10Y*: 10.62%

COWZ

• 1D: -0.30%
• 1M: 0.81%
• YTD: 6.41%
• 6M: 7.19%
• 1Y: 19.32%
• 3Y*: 13.26%
• 5Y*: 10.11%
• 10Y*: —

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

VYMI vs. COWZ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VYMI Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF	10.04%	38.05%	7.06%	17.07%	-7.02%	15.39%	-1.11%	18.43%	-12.65%	22.36%
COWZ Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF	6.41%	8.98%	10.64%	14.73%	0.19%	42.57%	11.65%	23.41%	-10.05%	20.22%

Correlation

The correlation between VYMI and COWZ is 0.54, 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	0.54
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.62
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 19, 2016	0.71

The correlation between VYMI and COWZ shifts across timeframes, from 0.54 (1 year) to 0.71 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VYMI vs. COWZ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VYMI	COWZ
Financial Services	41.9%	-
Energy	9.5%	16.9%
Consumer Defensive	7.0%	10.9%
Basic Materials	6.8%	3.7%
Healthcare	6.6%	21.8%
Industrials	6.6%	8.4%
Consumer Cyclical	6.5%	11.7%
Utilities	5.6%	-
Technology	4.3%	16.0%
Communication Services	4.0%	10.4%
Real Estate	1.3%	-

Return for Risk

VYMI vs. COWZ — Risk / Return Rank

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

VYMI

VYMI Risk / Return Rank: 69
VYMI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
VYMI Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
VYMI Omega Ratio Rank: 72
VYMI Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
VYMI Martin Ratio Rank: 65

COWZ

COWZ Risk / Return Rank: 64
COWZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
COWZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
COWZ Omega Ratio Rank: 55
COWZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
COWZ Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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.

VYMI vs. COWZ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) 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.

	VYMI	COWZ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.14	1.74	+0.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.91	2.58	+0.33
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.31	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.76	3.88	-1.12
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.83	10.52	+0.31
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VYMI vs. COWZ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VYMI Sharpe Ratio is 2.14, which is comparable to the COWZ Sharpe Ratio of 1.74. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VYMI 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VYMI	COWZ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.14	1.74	+0.39
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80	0.58	+0.22
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.63	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.64	0.64	0.00

Drawdowns

VYMI vs. COWZ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VYMI drawdown since its inception was -40.00%, roughly equal to the maximum COWZ drawdown of -38.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VYMI and COWZ.

Drawdown Indicators

	VYMI	COWZ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.00%	-38.63%	-1.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.14%	-5.00%	-5.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.84%	-22.00%	+9.16%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.05%	-22.00%	-2.05%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.00%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.52%	-2.53%	+0.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.31%	-4.80%	-1.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.58%	1.84%	+0.74%

Volatility

VYMI vs. COWZ - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) has a higher volatility of 3.69% compared to Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF (COWZ) at 2.92%. This indicates that VYMI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than COWZ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VYMI	COWZ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.69%	2.92%	+0.77%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.94%	7.21%	+3.73%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.13%	11.16%	+1.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.87%	17.64%	-2.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.88%	19.92%	-3.04%

VYMI vs. COWZ - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

VYMI vs. COWZ - Dividend Comparison

VYMI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.48%, more than COWZ's 1.94% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
COWZ Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF	1.94%	2.19%	1.82%	1.92%	1.96%	1.48%	2.54%	1.96%	1.67%	1.95%	0.13%
VYMI Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF	3.48%	3.68%	4.84%	4.58%	4.70%	4.30%	3.22%	4.20%	4.29%	3.21%	2.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VYMI and COWZ in my portfolio?

VYMI and COWZ have a correlation of 0.54, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VYMI or COWZ?

VYMI has higher volatility (3.69%) compared to COWZ (2.92%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VYMI dropped -40.00% vs COWZ's -38.63%.

Which ETF is better, VYMI or COWZ?

On 5-year performance, VYMI leads with 11.79% vs 10.11% for COWZ. On fees, VYMI is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, COWZ has been the lower-risk option at 2.92%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VYMI or COWZ?

Over the 5-year period, VYMI has performed better with a 11.79% return vs 10.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VYMI or COWZ?

VYMI is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for COWZ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VYMI or COWZ?

VYMI has the higher dividend yield at 3.48%, compared with 1.94% for COWZ.

What is the main difference between VYMI and COWZ?

VYMI is categorized as Dividend, while COWZ is Mid Cap Value Equities. VYMI tracks FTSE All-World ex US High Dividend Yield Index, while COWZ tracks Pacer US Cash Cows 100 Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for VYMI and 0.49% for COWZ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VYMI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.14 vs 1.74), 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.