PFIX vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPFIXVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.50%0.05%
AUM$170M$156.5B
Dividend Yield10.55%2.60%
Holdings318,747
YTD Return+3.84%+14.57%
1Y Return+1.06%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+12.65%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)+21.96%+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)36.3%15.1%
Max Drawdown-36.2%-39.9%
Fund FamilySimplify Exchange Traded FundsVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionMay 10, 2021Jan 26, 2011

PFIX vs VXUS Performance

Simplify Interest Rate Hedge ETF (PFIX) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PFIX returned +1.06% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, PFIX is up 3.84% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, PFIX compounded at +12.65% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +21.96% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, PFIX has the edge at +16.35% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

PFIX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 36.3% 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 -36.2% for PFIX 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 -0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PFIX charges 0.50% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $5 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PFIX currently yields 10.55% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

PFIX and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7862 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 VXUS?

PFIX has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.

Which performed better, PFIX or VXUS?

Over the past year PFIX returned +1.06% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), PFIX annualized +16.35% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PFIX or VXUS?

PFIX has been the more volatile fund at 36.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: PFIX -36.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both PFIX and VXUS?

PFIX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between PFIX and VXUS?

PFIX and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, PFIX or VXUS?

PFIX yields 10.55% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so PFIX currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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