PBDC vs VXUS
Putnam BDC Income ETF 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PBDC | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 13.49% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $314M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.60% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 28 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -3.00% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | -6.68% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.49% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Putnam Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 29, 2022 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PBDC vs VXUS Performance
Putnam BDC Income ETF (PBDC) is a ETF from Putnam Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PBDC returned -6.68% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, PBDC is down 3.00% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, PBDC compounded at +7.49% per year against +20.34% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, PBDC has the edge at +13.91% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 14.4% for PBDC. 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 -20.5% for PBDC 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 0.21. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PBDC charges 13.49% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $1349 vs $5 annually, a gap of $1344 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PBDC currently yields 11.60% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PBDC and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7892 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, PBDC or VXUS?
PBDC has an expense ratio of 13.49% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1344 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PBDC or VXUS?
Over the past year PBDC returned -6.68% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), PBDC annualized +13.91% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PBDC or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.4% for PBDC. Worst drawdown: PBDC -20.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PBDC and VXUS?
PBDC and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.21, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PBDC and VXUS?
PBDC and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7892 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PBDC or VXUS?
PBDC yields 11.60% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so PBDC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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