PDT vs VXUS
John Hancock Premium Dividend 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 | PDT | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.41% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $690M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.89% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 144 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +4.41% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.97% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.35% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.49% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | John Hancock Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 21, 1989 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PDT vs VXUS Performance
John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund (PDT) is a ETF from John Hancock Investment Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PDT returned +1.97% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, PDT is up 4.41% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, PDT compounded at +14.35% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +2.49% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +1.90%. 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 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 -62.6% for PDT 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PDT charges 2.41% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $241 vs $5 annually, a gap of $236 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PDT currently yields 6.89% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PDT and VXUS share 6 holdings out of 7955 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PDT or VXUS?
PDT has an expense ratio of 2.41% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $236 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PDT or VXUS?
Over the past year PDT returned +1.97% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PDT annualized +1.90% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PDT or VXUS?
PDT has been the more volatile fund at 16.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: PDT -62.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PDT and VXUS?
PDT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PDT and VXUS?
PDT and VXUS share 6 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7955 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PDT or VXUS?
PDT yields 6.89% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so PDT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.