PBAU vs VTI
PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - August 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 | PBAU | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $39M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +6.56% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.87% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 10, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
PBAU vs VTI Performance
PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - August (PBAU) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PBAU returned +10.87% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, PBAU is up 6.56% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 4.8% for PBAU. 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 -8.9% for PBAU 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PBAU charges 0.50% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $3 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PBAU currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PBAU or VTI?
PBAU has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PBAU or VTI?
Over the past year PBAU returned +10.87% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PBAU annualized +11.23% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PBAU or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 4.8% for PBAU. Worst drawdown: PBAU -8.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PBAU and VTI?
PBAU and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
Which pays a higher dividend, PBAU or VTI?
PBAU yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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