PABU vs VTI
iShares Paris-Aligned Climate Optimized MSCI USA ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PABU | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.10% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.6B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.94% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 97 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +8.53% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.90% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.80% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 8, 2022 | May 24, 2001 |
PABU vs VTI Performance
iShares Paris-Aligned Climate Optimized MSCI USA ETF (PABU) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PABU returned +15.90% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, PABU is up 8.53% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, PABU compounded at +18.80% per year against +21.83% for VTI. Across the full 4-year window we track, PABU has the edge at +12.65% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PABU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -20.8% for PABU and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PABU charges 0.10% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $10 vs $3 annually, a gap of $7 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PABU currently yields 0.94% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PABU and VTI share 87 holdings out of 2793 unique holdings combined, representing a 39.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PABU or VTI?
PABU has an expense ratio of 0.10% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $7 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PABU or VTI?
Over the past year PABU returned +15.90% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), PABU annualized +12.65% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PABU or VTI?
PABU has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: PABU -20.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PABU and VTI?
PABU and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between PABU and VTI?
PABU and VTI share 87 common holdings with a 39.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2793 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PABU or VTI?
PABU yields 0.94% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.