PFD vs VOO
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Income Fund Inc vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PFD | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | - | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $159M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.46% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 245 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -0.93% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.02% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.16% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.80% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -85.8% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Flaherty & Crumrine | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 1991 | Sep 7, 2010 |
PFD vs VOO Performance
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Income Fund Inc (PFD) is a ETF from Flaherty & Crumrine and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PFD returned +6.02% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, PFD is down 0.93% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Over three years, PFD compounded at +11.16% per year against +21.78% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -0.80% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +0.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PFD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -85.8% for PFD and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Holdings Overlap
PFD and VOO share 7 holdings out of 678 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which performed better, PFD or VOO?
Over the past year PFD returned +6.02% vs +23.01% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PFD annualized +0.59% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PFD or VOO?
PFD has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: PFD -85.8% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both PFD and VOO?
PFD and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PFD and VOO?
PFD and VOO share 7 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 678 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PFD or VOO?
PFD yields 6.46% while VOO yields 1.09%, so PFD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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