PBL vs VTI
PGIM Portfolio Ballast ETF vs Vanguard 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 | PBL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $77M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.07% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 12 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +10.98% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.26% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.91% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.1% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 12, 2022 | May 24, 2001 |
PBL vs VTI Performance
PGIM Portfolio Ballast ETF (PBL) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PBL returned +13.26% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, PBL is up 10.98% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, PBL compounded at +13.91% per year against +21.51% for VTI. Across the full 4-year window we track, PBL has the edge at +12.99% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 9.1% 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 -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 0.97. 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 VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PBL and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2790 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 VTI?
PBL has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PBL or VTI?
Over the past year PBL returned +13.26% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), PBL annualized +12.99% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PBL or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 9.1% for PBL. Worst drawdown: PBL -11.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PBL and VTI?
PBL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, 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 VTI?
PBL and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2790 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PBL or VTI?
PBL yields 2.07% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PBL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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