PBW vs VTI
Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. PBW delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PBW | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.64% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $385M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.47% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 70 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -2.21% | +12.74% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.93% | +20.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -3.37% | +20.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -15.96% | +11.52% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 35.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -89.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 3, 2005 | May 24, 2001 |
PBW vs VTI Performance
Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF (PBW) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PBW returned +27.93% while VTI returned +20.66%. Year to date, PBW is down 2.21% versus a gain of 12.74% for VTI.
Over three years, PBW compounded at -3.37% per year against +20.69% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -15.96% and +11.52% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.06% annualized vs -3.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PBW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 35.4% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -89.7% for PBW 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PBW charges 0.64% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $64 vs $3 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PBW currently yields 1.47% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PBW and VTI share 44 holdings out of 2815 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PBW or VTI?
PBW has an expense ratio of 0.64% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PBW or VTI?
Over the past year PBW returned +27.93% vs +20.66% for VTI, so PBW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), PBW annualized -3.64% vs +8.06% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PBW or VTI?
PBW has been the more volatile fund at 35.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: PBW -89.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PBW and VTI?
PBW and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PBW and VTI?
PBW and VTI share 44 common holdings with a 1.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2815 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PBW or VTI?
PBW yields 1.47% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PBW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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