PDI vs VOO
PIMCO Dynamic Income 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 | PDI | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 5.12% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $7.4B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 16.61% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 1,822 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -3.34% | +14.48% | |
| 1Y Return | -5.02% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.17% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.03% | +13.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 25, 2012 | Sep 7, 2010 |
PDI vs VOO Performance
PIMCO Dynamic Income Fund (PDI) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PDI returned -5.02% while VOO returned +22.02%. Year to date, PDI is down 3.34% versus a gain of 14.48% for VOO.
Over three years, PDI compounded at +8.17% per year against +21.80% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +2.03% and +13.36% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.61% annualized vs +2.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PDI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 14.2% 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 -48.0% for PDI 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PDI charges 5.12% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $512 vs $3 annually, a gap of $509 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PDI currently yields 16.61% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
PDI and VOO share 1 holdings out of 529 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 PDI | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| VICI | 0.33% | 0.04% | 0.29% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PDI or VOO?
PDI has an expense ratio of 5.12% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $509 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PDI or VOO?
Over the past year PDI returned -5.02% vs +22.02% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), PDI annualized +2.07% vs +13.61% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PDI or VOO?
PDI has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: PDI -48.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both PDI and VOO?
PDI and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PDI and VOO?
PDI and VOO share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 529 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PDI or VOO?
PDI yields 16.61% while VOO yields 1.09%, so PDI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.