PDX vs VXUS
PIMCO Dynamic Income Strategy 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 | PDX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.29% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.0B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 19.41% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 442 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +20.94% | +15.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.40% | +26.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.33% | +20.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +24.82% | +9.68% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 39.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 1, 2019 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PDX vs VXUS Performance
PIMCO Dynamic Income Strategy Fund (PDX) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PDX returned +12.40% while VXUS returned +26.36%. Year to date, PDX is up 20.94% versus a gain of 15.44% for VXUS.
Over three years, PDX compounded at +22.33% per year against +20.98% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +24.82% and +9.68% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, PDX has the edge at +7.99% annualized vs +4.90%. 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 15.1% 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 -83.0% for PDX 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PDX charges 3.29% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $329 vs $5 annually, a gap of $324 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PDX currently yields 19.41% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PDX and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7875 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 VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SESG:LU | 0.02% | 0.01% | 0.01% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PDX or VXUS?
PDX has an expense ratio of 3.29% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $324 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PDX or VXUS?
Over the past year PDX returned +12.40% vs +26.36% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), PDX annualized +7.99% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PDX or VXUS?
PDX has been the more volatile fund at 39.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: PDX -83.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PDX and VXUS?
PDX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PDX and VXUS?
PDX and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7875 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PDX or VXUS?
PDX yields 19.41% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so PDX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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