PFFA vs VTI
Virtus InfraCap US Preferred Stock ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PFFA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.11% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.4B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.65% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 193 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.91% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.82% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.96% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.65% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Virtus Investment Partners | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2018 | May 24, 2001 |
PFFA vs VTI Performance
Virtus InfraCap US Preferred Stock ETF (PFFA) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PFFA returned +6.82% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, PFFA is up 1.91% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, PFFA compounded at +11.96% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +5.65% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +4.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PFFA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.0% 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 -70.7% for PFFA 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PFFA charges 2.11% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $211 vs $3 annually, a gap of $208 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PFFA currently yields 9.65% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PFFA and VTI share 1 holdings out of 2805 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PFFA | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEE | 0.00% | 0.25% | 0.25% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PFFA or VTI?
PFFA has an expense ratio of 2.11% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $208 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PFFA or VTI?
Over the past year PFFA returned +6.82% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), PFFA annualized +4.12% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PFFA or VTI?
PFFA has been the more volatile fund at 25.0% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: PFFA -70.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PFFA and VTI?
PFFA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PFFA and VTI?
PFFA and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2805 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PFFA or VTI?
PFFA yields 9.65% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PFFA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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