PDX vs VTI
PIMCO Dynamic Income Strategy Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PDX | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.29% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.0B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 19.41% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 442 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +21.22% | +13.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.94% | +22.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.33% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +25.76% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 39.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 1, 2019 | May 24, 2001 |
PDX vs VTI Performance
PIMCO Dynamic Income Strategy Fund (PDX) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PDX returned +12.94% while VTI returned +22.17%. Year to date, PDX is up 21.22% versus a gain of 13.67% for VTI.
Over three years, PDX compounded at +22.33% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +25.76% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.11% annualized vs +8.01%. 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 15.3% for VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PDX charges 3.29% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PDX and VTI share 1 holdings out of 2793 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PDX | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| VG | 18.78% | 0.00% | 18.78% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PDX or VTI?
PDX has an expense ratio of 3.29% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $326 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PDX or VTI?
Over the past year PDX returned +12.94% vs +22.17% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), PDX annualized +8.01% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PDX or VTI?
PDX has been the more volatile fund at 39.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: PDX -83.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PDX and VTI?
PDX and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PDX and VTI?
PDX and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2793 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PDX or VTI?
PDX yields 19.41% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PDX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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