VYMI vs. GCOW

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VYMI (Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF) and GCOW (Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VYMI is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE All-World ex US 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, VYMI returned 10.49%/yr vs 9.91%/yr for GCOW. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VYMI charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for GCOW.

Performance

VYMI vs. GCOW - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VYMI achieves a 11.31% return, which is significantly lower than GCOW's 12.18% return. Over the past 10 years, VYMI has outperformed GCOW with an annualized return of 10.49%, while GCOW has yielded a comparatively lower 9.91% annualized return.

VYMI

• 1D: -1.01%
• 1M: 2.05%
• YTD: 11.31%
• 6M: 14.77%
• 1Y: 30.23%
• 3Y*: 21.88%
• 5Y*: 11.95%
• 10Y*: 10.49%

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)

VYMI vs. GCOW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VYMI Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF	11.31%	38.05%	7.06%	17.07%	-7.02%	15.39%	-1.11%	18.43%	-12.65%	22.36%
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 VYMI and GCOW is 0.70, 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	0.70
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.82
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 3, 2016	0.87

The correlation between VYMI and GCOW shifts across timeframes, from 0.70 (1 year) to 0.87 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VYMI vs. GCOW - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VYMI	GCOW
Financial Services	41.9%	-
Energy	9.5%	24.4%
Consumer Defensive	7.0%	17.1%
Basic Materials	6.8%	7.3%
Healthcare	6.6%	14.6%
Industrials	6.6%	12.4%
Consumer Cyclical	6.5%	4.6%
Utilities	5.6%	4.1%
Technology	4.3%	0.9%
Communication Services	4.0%	14.6%
Real Estate	1.3%	-

Return for Risk

VYMI vs. GCOW — Risk / Return Rank

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

VYMI

VYMI Risk / Return Rank: 66
VYMI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
VYMI Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
VYMI Omega Ratio Rank: 69
VYMI Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
VYMI Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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.

VYMI vs. GCOW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	VYMI	GCOW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.35	2.52	-0.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.20	3.63	-0.43
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.44	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.99	5.71	-2.72
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.80	15.05	-3.25
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. GCOW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VYMI Sharpe Ratio is 2.35, which is comparable to the GCOW Sharpe Ratio of 2.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VYMI 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

	VYMI	GCOW	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.35	2.52	-0.17
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.81	0.92	-0.11
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.62	0.61	+0.01
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.65	0.59	+0.06

Drawdowns

VYMI vs. GCOW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VYMI drawdown since its inception was -40.00%, which is greater than GCOW's maximum drawdown of -37.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VYMI and GCOW.

Drawdown Indicators

	VYMI	GCOW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.00%	-37.64%	-2.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.14%	-4.77%	-5.37%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.84%	-12.35%	-0.49%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.05%	-21.48%	-2.57%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.00%	-37.64%	-2.36%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.40%	-2.73%	+1.33%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.31%	-5.84%	-0.47%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.57%	1.81%	+0.76%

Volatility

VYMI vs. GCOW - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) has a higher volatility of 4.04% compared to Pacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF (GCOW) at 2.85%. This indicates that VYMI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GCOW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VYMI	GCOW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.04%	2.85%	+1.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.73%	7.99%	+2.74%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.94%	10.81%	+2.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.84%	13.49%	+1.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.87%	16.20%	+0.67%

VYMI vs. GCOW - Expense Ratio Comparison

VYMI has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than GCOW's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

VYMI vs. GCOW - Dividend Comparison

VYMI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.44%, less than GCOW's 4.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
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%
VYMI Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF	3.44%	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 GCOW in my portfolio?

VYMI and GCOW have a correlation of 0.70, 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 GCOW?

VYMI has higher volatility (4.04%) compared to GCOW (2.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VYMI dropped -40.00% vs GCOW's -37.64%.

Which ETF is better, VYMI or GCOW?

On 10-year performance, VYMI leads with 10.49% vs 9.91% for GCOW. On fees, VYMI is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, GCOW has been the lower-risk option at 2.85%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VYMI or GCOW?

Over the 10-year period, VYMI has performed better with a 10.49% return vs 9.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VYMI or GCOW?

VYMI is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for GCOW.

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

GCOW has the higher dividend yield at 4.43%, compared with 3.44% for VYMI.

What is the main difference between VYMI and GCOW?

VYMI is categorized as Dividend, while GCOW is Large Cap Value Equities. VYMI tracks FTSE All-World ex US 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: 0.07% for VYMI and 0.60% for GCOW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GCOW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.52 vs 2.35), 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.