PEO vs VTI
Adams Natural Resources Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. PEO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PEO | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $740M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.99% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 53 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +28.72% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.71% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.63% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +22.70% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Adams Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 30, 1929 | May 24, 2001 |
PEO vs VTI Performance
Adams Natural Resources Fund (PEO) is a ETF from Adams Funds and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PEO returned +34.71% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, PEO is up 28.72% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, PEO compounded at +15.63% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +22.70% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, PEO has the edge at +10.41% annualized vs +8.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PEO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.0% 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 -70.9% for PEO 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PEO charges 0.58% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $3 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PEO currently yields 11.99% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PEO and VTI share 46 holdings out of 2794 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PEO or VTI?
PEO has an expense ratio of 0.58% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PEO or VTI?
Over the past year PEO returned +34.71% vs +21.39% for VTI, so PEO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), PEO annualized +10.41% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PEO or VTI?
PEO has been the more volatile fund at 23.0% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: PEO -70.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PEO and VTI?
PEO and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PEO and VTI?
PEO and VTI share 46 common holdings with a 4.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2794 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PEO or VTI?
PEO yields 11.99% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PEO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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