PDX vs VOO
PIMCO Dynamic Income Strategy 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 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PDX | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.29% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.0B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 19.41% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 442 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +20.66% | +12.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.14% | +20.69% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.16% | +22.09% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +25.18% | +13.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 39.5% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 1, 2019 | Sep 7, 2010 |
PDX vs VOO Performance
PIMCO Dynamic Income Strategy Fund (PDX) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PDX returned +12.14% while VOO returned +20.69%. Year to date, PDX is up 20.66% versus a gain of 12.95% for VOO.
Over three years, PDX compounded at +22.16% per year against +22.09% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +25.18% and +13.40% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.50% annualized vs +7.95%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PDX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 39.5% compared with 14.1% 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 -83.0% for PDX 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PDX charges 3.29% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $329 vs $3 annually, a gap of $326 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PDX currently yields 19.41% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
PDX and VOO share 0 holdings out of 512 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PDX or VOO?
PDX has an expense ratio of 3.29% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $326 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PDX or VOO?
Over the past year PDX returned +12.14% vs +20.69% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), PDX annualized +7.95% vs +13.50% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PDX or VOO?
PDX has been the more volatile fund at 39.5% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: PDX -83.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both PDX and VOO?
PDX and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PDX and VOO?
PDX and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 512 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PDX or VOO?
PDX yields 19.41% while VOO yields 1.08%, so PDX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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