PWS vs VYM
PWS vs VYM
Pacer WealthShield ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PWS | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $24M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.29% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 235 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +1.24% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.08% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.22% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.68% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 11, 2017 | Nov 10, 2006 |
PWS vs VYM Performance
Pacer WealthShield ETF (PWS) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PWS returned +6.08% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, PWS is up 1.24% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, PWS compounded at +7.22% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +1.68% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +4.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PWS charges 0.60% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $4 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PWS currently yields 1.29% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
PWS and VYM share 54 holdings out of 833 unique holdings combined, representing a 12.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PWS | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVGO | 1.44% | 6.47% | 5.03% |
| CAT | 1.57% | 1.51% | 0.06% |
| ABBV | 0.22% | 1.80% | 1.58% |
| CSCO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| UNP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| IBM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ETN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TXN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMGN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GILD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings PWS shares with VYM 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 VYM?
PWS has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PWS or VYM?
Over the past year PWS returned +6.08% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), PWS annualized +4.47% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PWS or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 12.5% for PWS. Worst drawdown: PWS -24.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both PWS and VYM?
PWS and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PWS and VYM?
PWS and VYM share 54 common holdings with a 12.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 833 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PWS or VYM?
PWS yields 1.29% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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