PCQ vs VXUS
PCQ vs VXUS
PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund 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 | PCQ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.20% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $556M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.28% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 263 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +3.23% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.52% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.87% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -10.31% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 29, 2001 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PCQ vs VXUS Performance
PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund (PCQ) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PCQ returned +11.52% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, PCQ is up 3.23% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, PCQ compounded at +0.87% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -10.31% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -1.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PCQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.6% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -60.6% for PCQ 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 0.29. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PCQ charges 1.20% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $120 vs $5 annually, a gap of $115 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PCQ currently yields 4.28% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PCQ and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7945 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, PCQ or VXUS?
PCQ has an expense ratio of 1.20% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $115 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PCQ or VXUS?
Over the past year PCQ returned +11.52% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PCQ annualized -1.13% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PCQ or VXUS?
PCQ has been the more volatile fund at 15.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: PCQ -60.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PCQ and VXUS?
PCQ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.29, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PCQ and VXUS?
PCQ and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7945 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PCQ or VXUS?
PCQ yields 4.28% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so PCQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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