PCN vs VTI
PIMCO Corporate & Income Strategy Fund 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 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PCN | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.88% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $864M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.74% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 526 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +0.13% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.33% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.72% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.48% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -66.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 21, 2001 | May 24, 2001 |
PCN vs VTI Performance
PIMCO Corporate & Income Strategy Fund (PCN) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PCN returned +4.33% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, PCN is up 0.13% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, PCN compounded at +4.72% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +0.48% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +1.30%. 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 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 -66.7% for PCN 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PCN charges 0.88% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PCN and VTI share 5 holdings out of 2801 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, PCN or VTI?
PCN has an expense ratio of 0.88% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $85 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PCN or VTI?
Over the past year PCN returned +4.33% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), PCN annualized +1.30% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PCN or VTI?
PCN has been the more volatile fund at 21.7% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: PCN -66.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PCN and VTI?
PCN and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PCN and VTI?
PCN and VTI share 5 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2801 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PCN or VTI?
PCN yields 11.74% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PCN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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