PFFR vs VYM
InfraCap REIT Preferred ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, PFFR or VYM?
Long Term Mid Quality against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM 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 | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $120M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 8.37% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 112 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +0.22% | +11.47%Best |
| 1Y Return | -2.31% | +15.94%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.58% | +18.03%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.57% | +12.35%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 14.5%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -54.2% | -35.7%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $10,288 | $17,901Best |
| Fund Family | Virtus Investment Partners | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | Long Term Mid Quality | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Feb 7, 2017 | Nov 10, 2006 |
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 21, 2026 (9.6 years).
PFFR vs VYM 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 VYM Performance
InfraCap REIT Preferred ETF (PFFR) is an ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PFFR returned -2.31% while VYM returned +15.94%. Year to date, PFFR is up 0.22% versus a gain of 11.47% for VYM.
Over three years, PFFR compounded at +7.58% per year against +18.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +0.57% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +9.82% annualized vs +0.37%.
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 14.5% 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 -54.2% for PFFR and -35.7% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.67. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PFFR 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, PFFR currently yields 8.37% against 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 83 holdings in PFFR and 557 in VYM, totalling 72.3% and 99.2% 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 557 in VYM, against full books of 112 and 613.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of PFFR and VYM 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 VYM?
PFFR has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $41 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, PFFR or VYM?
Over the past year PFFR returned -2.31% vs +15.94% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), PFFR annualized +0.37% vs +9.82% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, PFFR or VYM?
PFFR has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.5% for VYM. Worst drawdown: PFFR -54.2% vs VYM -35.7%.
Should I hold both PFFR and VYM?
PFFR and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, 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 VYM?
PFFR yields 8.37% while VYM yields 2.22%, so PFFR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than PFFR?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM 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.