PDI vs VXUS
PDI vs VXUS
PIMCO Dynamic 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 | PDI | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 5.12% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $7.4B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 16.61% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 1,822 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -2.06% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | -3.56% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.03% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.19% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 25, 2012 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PDI vs VXUS Performance
PIMCO Dynamic Income Fund (PDI) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PDI returned -3.56% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, PDI is down 2.06% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, PDI compounded at +8.03% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +2.19% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +2.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PDI charges 5.12% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $512 vs $5 annually, a gap of $507 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PDI currently yields 16.61% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PDI and VXUS share 2 holdings out of 7884 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PDI or VXUS?
PDI has an expense ratio of 5.12% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $507 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PDI or VXUS?
Over the past year PDI returned -3.56% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), PDI annualized +2.17% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PDI or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.6% for PDI. Worst drawdown: PDI -48.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PDI and VXUS?
PDI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PDI and VXUS?
PDI and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7884 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PDI or VXUS?
PDI yields 16.61% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so PDI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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