PBL vs VOO
PGIM Portfolio Ballast ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PBL | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $77M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.07% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 12 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +10.02% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.78% | +21.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.59% | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.0% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.8% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 12, 2022 | Sep 7, 2010 |
PBL vs VOO Performance
PGIM Portfolio Ballast ETF (PBL) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PBL returned +12.78% while VOO returned +21.63%. Year to date, PBL is up 10.02% versus a gain of 13.72% for VOO.
Over three years, PBL compounded at +13.59% per year against +21.55% for VOO. Across the full 4-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.56% annualized vs +12.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 9.0% for PBL. 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 -11.8% for PBL and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PBL charges 0.45% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $3 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PBL currently yields 2.07% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
PBL and VOO share 0 holdings out of 512 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, PBL or VOO?
PBL has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PBL or VOO?
Over the past year PBL returned +12.78% vs +21.63% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), PBL annualized +12.73% vs +13.56% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PBL or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 9.0% for PBL. Worst drawdown: PBL -11.8% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both PBL and VOO?
PBL and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, 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 PBL and VOO?
PBL and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 512 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PBL or VOO?
PBL yields 2.07% while VOO yields 1.09%, so PBL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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