PFIX vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPFIXVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.50%0.03%
AUM$170M$663.5B
Dividend Yield10.55%1.07%
Holdings313,543
YTD Return+7.25%+13.87%
1Y Return+3.46%+23.31%
3Y Return (annualized)+13.70%+21.17%
5Y Return (annualized)+23.02%+12.23%
Volatility (annualized)36.2%15.3%
Max Drawdown-36.2%-56.6%
Fund FamilySimplify Exchange Traded FundsVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionMay 10, 2021May 24, 2001

PFIX vs VTI Performance

Simplify Interest Rate Hedge ETF (PFIX) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PFIX returned +3.46% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, PFIX is up 7.25% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.

Over three years, PFIX compounded at +13.70% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +23.02% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, PFIX has the edge at +17.03% annualized vs +8.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

PFIX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 36.2% 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 -36.2% for PFIX 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 -0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PFIX charges 0.50% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $3 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PFIX currently yields 10.55% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

PFIX and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2784 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, PFIX or VTI?

PFIX has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.

Which performed better, PFIX or VTI?

Over the past year PFIX returned +3.46% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), PFIX annualized +17.03% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PFIX or VTI?

PFIX has been the more volatile fund at 36.2% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: PFIX -36.2% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both PFIX and VTI?

PFIX and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between PFIX and VTI?

PFIX and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2784 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, PFIX or VTI?

PFIX yields 10.55% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PFIX currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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