PFFA vs VYM
Virtus InfraCap US Preferred Stock 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PFFA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.11% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2.4B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.65% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 193 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +1.67% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.31% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.76% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.55% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Virtus Investment Partners | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2018 | Nov 10, 2006 |
PFFA vs VYM Performance
Virtus InfraCap US Preferred Stock ETF (PFFA) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PFFA returned +7.31% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, PFFA is up 1.67% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, PFFA compounded at +11.76% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +5.55% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% 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 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 -70.7% for PFFA 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PFFA charges 2.11% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $211 vs $4 annually, a gap of $207 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PFFA currently yields 9.65% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
PFFA and VYM share 1 holdings out of 580 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 VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEE | 0.00% | 0.86% | 0.86% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PFFA or VYM?
PFFA has an expense ratio of 2.11% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $207 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PFFA or VYM?
Over the past year PFFA returned +7.31% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), PFFA annualized +4.10% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PFFA or VYM?
PFFA has been the more volatile fund at 25.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: PFFA -70.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both PFFA and VYM?
PFFA and VYM 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 VYM?
PFFA and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 580 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PFFA or VYM?
PFFA yields 9.65% while VYM yields 2.86%, so PFFA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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