PDT vs VOO
John Hancock Premium Dividend 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 | PDT | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.41% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $690M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.89% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 144 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +4.82% | +14.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.20% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.88% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.06% | +13.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.7% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | John Hancock Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 21, 1989 | Sep 7, 2010 |
PDT vs VOO Performance
John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund (PDT) is a ETF from John Hancock Investment Management and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PDT returned +2.20% while VOO returned +22.02%. Year to date, PDT is up 4.82% versus a gain of 14.48% for VOO.
Over three years, PDT compounded at +14.88% per year against +21.80% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +2.06% and +13.36% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.61% annualized vs +1.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PDT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.7% 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 -62.6% for PDT 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PDT charges 2.41% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $241 vs $3 annually, a gap of $238 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PDT currently yields 6.89% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
PDT and VOO share 38 holdings out of 567 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PDT or VOO?
PDT has an expense ratio of 2.41% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $238 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PDT or VOO?
Over the past year PDT returned +2.20% vs +22.02% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PDT annualized +1.91% vs +13.61% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PDT or VOO?
PDT has been the more volatile fund at 16.7% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: PDT -62.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both PDT and VOO?
PDT and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PDT and VOO?
PDT and VOO share 38 common holdings with a 4.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 567 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PDT or VOO?
PDT yields 6.89% while VOO yields 1.09%, so PDT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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