PBL vs VXUS
PBL vs VXUS
PGIM Portfolio Ballast ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PBL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $77M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.07% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 12 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +10.14% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.84% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.43% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 12, 2022 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PBL vs VXUS Performance
PGIM Portfolio Ballast ETF (PBL) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PBL returned +13.84% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, PBL is up 10.14% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, PBL compounded at +13.43% per year against +19.27% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, PBL has the edge at +12.81% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PBL charges 0.45% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $5 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PBL currently yields 2.07% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PBL and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7868 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 VXUS?
PBL has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PBL or VXUS?
Over the past year PBL returned +13.84% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), PBL annualized +12.81% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PBL or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 9.0% for PBL. Worst drawdown: PBL -11.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PBL and VXUS?
PBL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PBL and VXUS?
PBL and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7868 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PBL or VXUS?
PBL yields 2.07% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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