PBDC vs VXUS
Putnam BDC Income ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, PBDC or VXUS?
VXUS has been ahead.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PBDC | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 13.49% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $314M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 11.60% | 2.59% |
| Holdings | 28 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | -3.44% | +16.15%Best |
| 1Y Return | -7.60% | +27.58%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.21% | +20.48%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.09% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.5% | 13.7%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -20.5% | -13.6%Best |
| $10,000 over 3.9 years | $16,420 | $21,592Best |
| Fund Family | Putnam Investments | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Sep 29, 2022 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.9 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 30, 2022 to Sep 4, 2026 (3.9 years).
PBDC vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 3.9 years both funds cover.
PBDC vs VXUS Performance
Putnam BDC Income ETF (PBDC) is an ETF from Putnam Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PBDC returned -7.60% while VXUS returned +27.58%. Year to date, PBDC is down 3.44% versus a gain of 16.15% for VXUS.
Over three years, PBDC compounded at +7.21% per year against +20.48% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +21.82% annualized vs +13.56%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PBDC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.5% compared with 13.7% for VXUS. 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 -13.6% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.21. They move largely independently of each other.
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
We hold position weights for 23 holdings in PBDC and 8,094 in VXUS, totalling 100.0% and 87.7% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 23 positions we hold weights for in PBDC and 8,094 in VXUS, against full books of 28 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of PBDC and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
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, by $1344 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, PBDC or VXUS?
Over the past year PBDC returned -7.60% vs +27.58% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), PBDC annualized +13.56% vs +21.82% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, PBDC or VXUS?
PBDC has been the more volatile fund at 14.5% annualized versus 13.7% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: PBDC -20.5% vs VXUS -13.6%.
Should I hold both PBDC and VXUS?
PBDC and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.21, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
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.
Is VXUS better than PBDC?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.