PDN vs VXUS
PDN vs VXUS
Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-US Small-Mid ETF 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 | PDN | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $350M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.29% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 1,599 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +13.09% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.51% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.06% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.36% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 27, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PDN vs VXUS Performance
Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-US Small-Mid ETF (PDN) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PDN returned +22.51% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, PDN is up 13.09% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, PDN compounded at +18.06% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.36% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +4.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PDN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.2% 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 -60.1% for PDN 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PDN charges 0.47% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $5 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PDN currently yields 3.29% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PDN and VXUS share 1222 holdings out of 8196 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PDN | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5930:JP | 0.02% | 1.58% | 1.56% |
| 1888:HK | 0.36% | 0.01% | 0.35% |
| TSEM:IL | 0.33% | 0.03% | 0.30% |
| 522:HK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AIR:NZ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CCO:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CS:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ESLT:IL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 6856:TK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AED:BR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings PDN shares with VXUS Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PDN or VXUS?
PDN has an expense ratio of 0.47% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PDN or VXUS?
Over the past year PDN returned +22.51% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PDN annualized +4.19% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PDN or VXUS?
PDN has been the more volatile fund at 18.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: PDN -60.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PDN and VXUS?
PDN and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between PDN and VXUS?
PDN and VXUS share 1222 common holdings with a 6.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8196 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PDN or VXUS?
PDN yields 3.29% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so PDN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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