PDO vs VXUS
PIMCO Dynamic Income Opportunities 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PDO | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 5.22% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.9B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 12.02% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 635 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -1.30% | +15.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.25% | +26.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.45% | +20.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.32% | +9.68% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 29, 2021 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PDO vs VXUS Performance
PIMCO Dynamic Income Opportunities Fund (PDO) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PDO returned +4.25% while VXUS returned +26.36%. Year to date, PDO is down 1.30% versus a gain of 15.44% for VXUS.
Over three years, PDO compounded at +12.45% per year against +20.98% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +2.32% and +9.68% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.90% annualized vs +3.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PDO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.3% 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 -36.8% for PDO 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PDO charges 5.22% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $522 vs $5 annually, a gap of $517 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PDO currently yields 12.02% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PDO 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, PDO or VXUS?
PDO has an expense ratio of 5.22% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $517 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PDO or VXUS?
Over the past year PDO returned +4.25% vs +26.36% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), PDO annualized +3.69% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PDO or VXUS?
PDO has been the more volatile fund at 17.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: PDO -36.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PDO and VXUS?
PDO and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PDO and VXUS?
PDO and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7884 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PDO or VXUS?
PDO yields 12.02% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so PDO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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