PFD vs VXUS
PFD vs VXUS
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Income Fund Inc vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PFD | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | - | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $159M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.46% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 245 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -0.14% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.86% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.33% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.88% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -85.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Flaherty & Crumrine | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 1991 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PFD vs VXUS Performance
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Income Fund Inc (PFD) is a ETF from Flaherty & Crumrine and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PFD returned +6.86% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, PFD is down 0.14% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, PFD compounded at +11.33% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -0.88% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +0.62%. 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 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Holdings Overlap
PFD and VXUS share 2 holdings out of 8039 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which performed better, PFD or VXUS?
Over the past year PFD returned +6.86% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PFD annualized +0.62% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PFD or VXUS?
PFD has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: PFD -85.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PFD and VXUS?
PFD and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PFD and VXUS?
PFD and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8039 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PFD or VXUS?
PFD yields 6.46% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so PFD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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