PBE vs VXUS
Invesco Biotechnology and Genome ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. PBE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PBE | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $283M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.73% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 33 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +13.86% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +45.58% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.28% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.34% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 23, 2005 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PBE vs VXUS Performance
Invesco Biotechnology and Genome ETF (PBE) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PBE returned +45.58% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, PBE is up 13.86% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, PBE compounded at +15.28% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +4.34% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, PBE has the edge at +9.22% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PBE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.1% compared with 15.1% 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 -45.7% for PBE 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PBE charges 0.58% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $5 annually, a gap of $53 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PBE currently yields 1.73% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PBE and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7891 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PBE | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| QGEN:AS | 2.77% | 0.02% | 2.75% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PBE or VXUS?
PBE has an expense ratio of 0.58% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $53 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PBE or VXUS?
Over the past year PBE returned +45.58% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so PBE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PBE annualized +9.22% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PBE or VXUS?
PBE has been the more volatile fund at 21.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: PBE -45.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PBE and VXUS?
PBE and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PBE and VXUS?
PBE and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7891 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PBE or VXUS?
PBE yields 1.73% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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