PFFR vs VXUS
InfraCap REIT Preferred ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, PFFR or VXUS?
Long Term Mid Quality against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PFFR | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $120M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 8.37% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 112 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | -0.22% | +14.94%Best |
| 1Y Return | -2.73% | +21.99%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.65% | +20.89%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.45% | +9.48%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 15.2%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -54.2% | -39.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $10,227 | $15,728Best |
| Fund Family | Virtus Investment Partners | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | Long Term Mid Quality | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Feb 7, 2017 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Feb 8, 2017 to Sep 22, 2026 (9.6 years).
PFFR vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 9.6 years both funds cover.
PFFR vs VXUS Performance
InfraCap REIT Preferred ETF (PFFR) is an ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PFFR returned -2.73% while VXUS returned +21.99%. Year to date, PFFR is down 0.22% versus a gain of 14.94% for VXUS.
Over three years, PFFR compounded at +7.65% per year against +20.89% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +0.45% and +9.48% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +8.30% annualized vs +0.32%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PFFR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 15.2% 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 -54.2% for PFFR and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PFFR charges 0.45% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $5 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PFFR currently yields 8.37% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 83 holdings in PFFR and 8,082 in VXUS, totalling 72.3% and 88.8% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 83 positions we hold weights for in PFFR and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 112 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of PFFR and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PFFR or VXUS?
PFFR has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $40 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, PFFR or VXUS?
Over the past year PFFR returned -2.73% vs +21.99% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), PFFR annualized +0.32% vs +8.30% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, PFFR or VXUS?
PFFR has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.2% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: PFFR -54.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PFFR and VXUS?
PFFR and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, PFFR or VXUS?
PFFR yields 8.37% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so PFFR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than PFFR?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.