PBAP vs VXUS
PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - April vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PBAP | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $34M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +8.47% | +15.00% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.07% | +26.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 29, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PBAP vs VXUS Performance
PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - April (PBAP) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PBAP returned +12.07% while VXUS returned +26.87%. Year to date, PBAP is up 8.47% versus a gain of 15.00% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 4.6% for PBAP. 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 -9.7% for PBAP and -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PBAP charges 0.50% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $5 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PBAP currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PBAP or VXUS?
PBAP has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PBAP or VXUS?
Over the past year PBAP returned +12.07% vs +26.87% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PBAP annualized +10.14% vs +4.88% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PBAP or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 4.6% for PBAP. Worst drawdown: PBAP -9.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PBAP and VXUS?
PBAP and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, PBAP or VXUS?
PBAP yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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