PCN vs VOO
PIMCO Corporate & Income Strategy Fund 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 | PCN | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.88% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $864M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.74% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 526 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -0.12% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.07% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.20% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.42% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.7% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -66.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 21, 2001 | Sep 7, 2010 |
PCN vs VOO Performance
PIMCO Corporate & Income Strategy Fund (PCN) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PCN returned +4.07% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, PCN is down 0.12% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Over three years, PCN compounded at +5.20% per year against +21.78% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +0.42% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +1.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PCN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.7% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -66.7% for PCN 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PCN charges 0.88% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $88 vs $3 annually, a gap of $85 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PCN currently yields 11.74% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
PCN and VOO share 1 holdings out of 527 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PCN | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| VICI | 0.30% | 0.04% | 0.26% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PCN or VOO?
PCN has an expense ratio of 0.88% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $85 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PCN or VOO?
Over the past year PCN returned +4.07% vs +23.01% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PCN annualized +1.29% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PCN or VOO?
PCN has been the more volatile fund at 21.7% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: PCN -66.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both PCN and VOO?
PCN and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PCN and VOO?
PCN and VOO share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 527 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PCN or VOO?
PCN yields 11.74% while VOO yields 1.09%, so PCN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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