PAXS vs VYM
PIMCO Access Income Fund 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 | PAXS | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.09% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $693M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 12.21% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 443 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +0.90% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.59% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.74% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -22.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 2022 | Nov 10, 2006 |
PAXS vs VYM Performance
PIMCO Access Income Fund (PAXS) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PAXS returned +2.59% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, PAXS is up 0.90% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, PAXS compounded at +10.74% per year against +18.60% for VYM. Across the full 5-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.11% annualized vs +4.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PAXS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% compared with 14.6% for VYM. 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 -22.3% for PAXS 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PAXS charges 2.09% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $209 vs $4 annually, a gap of $205 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PAXS currently yields 12.21% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
PAXS and VYM share 0 holdings out of 567 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PAXS or VYM?
PAXS has an expense ratio of 2.09% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $205 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PAXS or VYM?
Over the past year PAXS returned +2.59% vs +24.43% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), PAXS annualized +4.35% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PAXS or VYM?
PAXS has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: PAXS -22.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both PAXS and VYM?
PAXS and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PAXS and VYM?
PAXS and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 567 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PAXS or VYM?
PAXS yields 12.21% while VYM yields 2.86%, so PAXS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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