PEXL vs VTI
Pacer US Export Leaders ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. PEXL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PEXL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $54M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.31% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +16.93% | +13.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.84% | +22.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.50% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.72% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 23, 2018 | May 24, 2001 |
PEXL vs VTI Performance
Pacer US Export Leaders ETF (PEXL) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PEXL returned +32.84% while VTI returned +22.17%. Year to date, PEXL is up 16.93% versus a gain of 13.67% for VTI.
Over three years, PEXL compounded at +19.50% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +11.72% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, PEXL has the edge at +14.16% annualized vs +8.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PEXL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.0% 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 -36.9% for PEXL 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PEXL charges 0.49% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $3 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PEXL currently yields 0.31% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PEXL and VTI share 89 holdings out of 2799 unique holdings combined, representing a 29.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PEXL or VTI?
PEXL has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PEXL or VTI?
Over the past year PEXL returned +32.84% vs +22.17% for VTI, so PEXL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), PEXL annualized +14.16% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PEXL or VTI?
PEXL has been the more volatile fund at 22.0% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: PEXL -36.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PEXL and VTI?
PEXL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between PEXL and VTI?
PEXL and VTI share 89 common holdings with a 29.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2799 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PEXL or VTI?
PEXL yields 0.31% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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