PDI vs VTI
PIMCO Dynamic Income Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PDI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 5.12% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $7.5B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 16.84% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 1,822 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -6.63% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | -9.05% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.38% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.62% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 25, 2012 | May 24, 2001 |
PDI vs VTI Performance
PIMCO Dynamic Income Fund (PDI) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PDI returned -9.05% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, PDI is down 6.63% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, PDI compounded at +8.38% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +1.62% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs +1.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.6% for PDI. 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 -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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PDI charges 5.12% per year while VTI 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 16.84% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PDI and VTI share 6 holdings out of 2806 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, PDI or VTI?
PDI has an expense ratio of 5.12% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $509 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PDI or VTI?
Over the past year PDI returned -9.05% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), PDI annualized +1.82% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PDI or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.6% for PDI. Worst drawdown: PDI -48.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PDI and VTI?
PDI and VTI 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 PDI and VTI?
PDI and VTI share 6 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2806 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PDI or VTI?
PDI yields 16.84% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PDI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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