PBFR vs VTI
PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF 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 | PBFR | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $213M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.01% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 15 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +6.28% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.53% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 11, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
PBFR vs VTI Performance
PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF (PBFR) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PBFR returned +10.53% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, PBFR is up 6.28% 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 4.3% for PBFR. 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 -8.5% for PBFR 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PBFR 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, PBFR currently yields 0.01% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PBFR and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2799 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, PBFR or VTI?
PBFR 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, PBFR or VTI?
Over the past year PBFR returned +10.53% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PBFR annualized +10.29% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PBFR or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 4.3% for PBFR. Worst drawdown: PBFR -8.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PBFR and VTI?
PBFR and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between PBFR and VTI?
PBFR and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2799 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PBFR or VTI?
PBFR yields 0.01% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.