PFL vs VOO
PIMCO Income Strategy Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PFL | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.37% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $386M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 12.79% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 401 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -0.68% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.45% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.51% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.95% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.7% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -82.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 26, 2003 | Sep 7, 2010 |
PFL vs VOO Performance
PIMCO Income Strategy Fund (PFL) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PFL returned +3.45% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, PFL is down 0.68% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Over three years, PFL compounded at +10.51% per year against +21.78% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +0.95% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs -1.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PFL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.7% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -82.2% for PFL and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PFL charges 1.37% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $137 vs $3 annually, a gap of $134 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PFL currently yields 12.79% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
PFL and VOO share 1 holdings out of 525 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 PFL | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| VICI | 0.40% | 0.04% | 0.36% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PFL or VOO?
PFL has an expense ratio of 1.37% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $134 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PFL or VOO?
Over the past year PFL returned +3.45% vs +23.01% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PFL annualized -1.43% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PFL or VOO?
PFL has been the more volatile fund at 19.7% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: PFL -82.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both PFL and VOO?
PFL and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PFL and VOO?
PFL and VOO share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 525 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PFL or VOO?
PFL yields 12.79% while VOO yields 1.09%, so PFL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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