PFL vs VTI
PIMCO Income Strategy Fund vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PFL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.37% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $386M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 12.79% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 401 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -0.93% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.18% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.66% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.98% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -82.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 26, 2003 | May 24, 2001 |
PFL vs VTI Performance
PIMCO Income Strategy Fund (PFL) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PFL returned +3.18% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, PFL is down 0.93% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, PFL compounded at +10.66% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +0.98% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs -1.45%. 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 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 -82.2% for PFL 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PFL charges 1.37% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PFL and VTI share 5 holdings out of 2799 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, PFL or VTI?
PFL has an expense ratio of 1.37% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $134 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PFL or VTI?
Over the past year PFL returned +3.18% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), PFL annualized -1.45% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PFL or VTI?
PFL has been the more volatile fund at 19.7% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: PFL -82.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PFL and VTI?
PFL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PFL and VTI?
PFL and VTI share 5 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2799 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PFL or VTI?
PFL yields 12.79% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PFL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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