Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. PDBC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: PDBCMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPDBCVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.59%0.04%
AUM$6.3B$79.0B
Dividend Yield3.20%2.86%
Holdings54568
YTD Return+29.89%+15.80%
1Y Return+37.73%+26.12%
3Y Return (annualized)+10.01%+18.25%
5Y Return (annualized)+11.72%+12.51%
Volatility (annualized)17.3%14.6%
Max Drawdown-49.5%-58.8%
Fund FamilyInvesco (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryCommodityEquity
InceptionNov 7, 2014Nov 10, 2006

PDBC vs VYM Performance

Invesco Optimum Yield Diversified Commodity Strategy No K-1 ETF (PDBC) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PDBC returned +37.73% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, PDBC is up 29.89% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.

Over three years, PDBC compounded at +10.01% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.72% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +3.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

PDBC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.3% compared with 14.6% for VYM. 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 -49.5% for PDBC and -58.8% for VYM. 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

PDBC charges 0.59% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $4 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PDBC currently yields 3.20% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.2%overlap

PDBC and VYM share 1 holdings out of 562 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in PDBCWeight in VYMDifference
C0.22%0.81%0.59%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, PDBC or VYM?

PDBC has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.

Which performed better, PDBC or VYM?

Over the past year PDBC returned +37.73% vs +26.12% for VYM, so PDBC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), PDBC annualized +3.70% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PDBC or VYM?

PDBC has been the more volatile fund at 17.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: PDBC -49.5% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both PDBC and VYM?

PDBC and VYM 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 PDBC and VYM?

PDBC and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 562 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, PDBC or VYM?

PDBC yields 3.20% while VYM yields 2.86%, so PDBC currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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