PDX vs VYM
PIMCO Dynamic Income Strategy Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PDX | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.29% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.0B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 19.41% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 442 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +20.66% | +15.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.14% | +23.85% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.16% | +19.14% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +25.18% | +12.45% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 39.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 1, 2019 | Nov 10, 2006 |
PDX vs VYM Performance
PIMCO Dynamic Income Strategy Fund (PDX) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PDX returned +12.14% while VYM returned +23.85%. Year to date, PDX is up 20.66% versus a gain of 15.75% for VYM.
Over three years, PDX compounded at +22.16% per year against +19.14% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +25.18% and +12.45% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, PDX has the edge at +7.95% annualized vs +7.06%. 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 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PDX charges 3.29% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $329 vs $4 annually, a gap of $325 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PDX currently yields 19.41% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
PDX and VYM share 0 holdings out of 610 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 VYM?
PDX has an expense ratio of 3.29% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $325 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PDX or VYM?
Over the past year PDX returned +12.14% vs +23.85% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), PDX annualized +7.95% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PDX or VYM?
PDX has been the more volatile fund at 39.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: PDX -83.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both PDX and VYM?
PDX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PDX and VYM?
PDX and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 610 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PDX or VYM?
PDX yields 19.41% while VYM yields 2.24%, so PDX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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