PFF vs VYM
iShares Preferred and Income Securities ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PFF | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $13.3B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.51% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 464 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +1.10% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.98% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.74% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.02% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 26, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
PFF vs VYM Performance
iShares Preferred and Income Securities ETF (PFF) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PFF returned +2.98% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, PFF is up 1.10% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, PFF compounded at +6.74% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +1.02% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs -0.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PFF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.6% 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 -70.2% for PFF 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PFF charges 0.45% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $4 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PFF currently yields 5.51% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
PFF and VYM share 85 holdings out of 729 unique holdings combined, representing a 15.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PFF or VYM?
PFF has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PFF or VYM?
Over the past year PFF returned +2.98% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), PFF annualized -0.84% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PFF or VYM?
PFF has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: PFF -70.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both PFF and VYM?
PFF and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PFF and VYM?
PFF and VYM share 85 common holdings with a 15.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 729 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PFF or VYM?
PFF yields 5.51% while VYM yields 2.24%, so PFF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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