PEXL vs VYM
Pacer US Export Leaders ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. PEXL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 613 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PEXL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $54M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.31% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 613 | |
| YTD Return | +14.92% | +14.18% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.90% | +20.67% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.64% | +18.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.40% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.9% | 14.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 23, 2018 | Nov 10, 2006 |
PEXL vs VYM Performance
Pacer US Export Leaders ETF (PEXL) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PEXL returned +28.90% while VYM returned +20.67%. Year to date, PEXL is up 14.92% versus a gain of 14.18% for VYM.
Over three years, PEXL compounded at +17.64% per year against +18.47% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.40% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, PEXL has the edge at +13.85% annualized vs +6.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PEXL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.9% compared with 14.5% 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 -36.9% for PEXL 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PEXL charges 0.49% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $4 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PEXL currently yields 0.31% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
PEXL and VYM share 30 holdings out of 674 unique holdings combined, representing a 18.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PEXL or VYM?
PEXL has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PEXL or VYM?
Over the past year PEXL returned +28.90% vs +20.67% for VYM, so PEXL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), PEXL annualized +13.85% vs +6.97% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PEXL or VYM?
PEXL has been the more volatile fund at 21.9% annualized versus 14.5% for VYM. Worst drawdown: PEXL -36.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both PEXL and VYM?
PEXL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PEXL and VYM?
PEXL and VYM share 30 common holdings with a 18.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 674 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PEXL or VYM?
PEXL yields 0.31% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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