PFFA vs VXUS
Virtus InfraCap US Preferred Stock ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PFFA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.11% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $2.4B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.65% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 193 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +1.67% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.31% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.76% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.55% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Virtus Investment Partners | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2018 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PFFA vs VXUS Performance
Virtus InfraCap US Preferred Stock ETF (PFFA) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PFFA returned +7.31% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, PFFA is up 1.67% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, PFFA compounded at +11.76% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +5.55% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +4.10%. 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 15.1% 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 -70.7% for PFFA 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PFFA charges 2.11% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $211 vs $5 annually, a gap of $206 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PFFA currently yields 9.65% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PFFA and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7883 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 VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AQN:CA | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PFFA or VXUS?
PFFA has an expense ratio of 2.11% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $206 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PFFA or VXUS?
Over the past year PFFA returned +7.31% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), PFFA annualized +4.10% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PFFA or VXUS?
PFFA has been the more volatile fund at 25.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: PFFA -70.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PFFA and VXUS?
PFFA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PFFA and VXUS?
PFFA and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7883 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PFFA or VXUS?
PFFA yields 9.65% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so PFFA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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