PBE vs VYM
Invesco Biotechnology and Genome ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. PBE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PBE | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $283M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.73% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 33 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +15.19% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +47.27% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.54% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.86% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 23, 2005 | Nov 10, 2006 |
PBE vs VYM Performance
Invesco Biotechnology and Genome ETF (PBE) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PBE returned +47.27% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, PBE is up 15.19% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, PBE compounded at +15.54% per year against +18.29% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +4.86% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, PBE has the edge at +9.27% annualized vs +7.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PBE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.2% compared with 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PBE charges 0.58% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $4 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PBE currently yields 1.73% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PBE or VYM?
PBE has an expense ratio of 0.58% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PBE or VYM?
Over the past year PBE returned +47.27% vs +25.99% for VYM, so PBE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), PBE annualized +9.27% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PBE or VYM?
PBE has been the more volatile fund at 21.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: PBE -45.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both PBE and VYM?
PBE and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PBE and VYM?
PBE and VYM share 2 common holdings with a 1.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 587 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PBE or VYM?
PBE yields 1.73% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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