PWS vs VOO
PWS vs VOO
Pacer WealthShield ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PWS | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $24M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.29% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 235 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +1.24% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.08% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.22% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.68% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.5% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 11, 2017 | Sep 7, 2010 |
PWS vs VOO Performance
Pacer WealthShield ETF (PWS) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PWS returned +6.08% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, PWS is up 1.24% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, PWS compounded at +7.22% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +1.68% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +4.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 12.5% for PWS. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -24.9% for PWS and -34.3% for VOO. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PWS charges 0.60% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $3 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PWS currently yields 1.29% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
PWS and VOO share 187 holdings out of 647 unique holdings combined, representing a 31.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PWS | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 3.99% | 7.51% | 3.52% |
| AAPL | 3.83% | 6.59% | 2.76% |
| MSFT | 2.45% | 4.30% | 1.85% |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WELL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PLD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CAT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings PWS shares with VOO Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PWS or VOO?
PWS has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PWS or VOO?
Over the past year PWS returned +6.08% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), PWS annualized +4.47% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PWS or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 12.5% for PWS. Worst drawdown: PWS -24.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both PWS and VOO?
PWS and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PWS and VOO?
PWS and VOO share 187 common holdings with a 31.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 647 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PWS or VOO?
PWS yields 1.29% while VOO yields 1.09%, so PWS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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