PFD vs VTI
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Income Fund Inc vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PFD | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | - | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $159M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.46% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 245 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -0.49% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.48% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.49% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.70% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -85.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Flaherty & Crumrine | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 1991 | May 24, 2001 |
PFD vs VTI Performance
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Income Fund Inc (PFD) is a ETF from Flaherty & Crumrine and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PFD returned +6.48% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, PFD is down 0.49% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, PFD compounded at +11.49% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -0.70% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +0.61%. 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 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 -85.8% for PFD 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Holdings Overlap
PFD and VTI share 18 holdings out of 2945 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 VTI?
Over the past year PFD returned +6.48% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), PFD annualized +0.61% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PFD or VTI?
PFD has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: PFD -85.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PFD and VTI?
PFD and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PFD and VTI?
PFD and VTI share 18 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2945 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PFD or VTI?
PFD yields 6.46% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PFD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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