PFL vs VXUS
PFL vs VXUS
PIMCO Income Strategy Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PFL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.37% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $386M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 12.79% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 401 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -1.06% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.82% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.38% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.95% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -82.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 26, 2003 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PFL vs VXUS Performance
PIMCO Income Strategy Fund (PFL) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PFL returned +2.82% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, PFL is down 1.06% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, PFL compounded at +10.38% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +0.95% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% 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 15.1% 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 -82.2% for PFL 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PFL charges 1.37% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $137 vs $5 annually, a gap of $132 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PFL currently yields 12.79% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PFL and VXUS share 2 holdings out of 7880 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PFL or VXUS?
PFL has an expense ratio of 1.37% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $132 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PFL or VXUS?
Over the past year PFL returned +2.82% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PFL annualized -1.45% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PFL or VXUS?
PFL has been the more volatile fund at 19.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: PFL -82.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PFL and VXUS?
PFL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PFL and VXUS?
PFL and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7880 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PFL or VXUS?
PFL yields 12.79% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so PFL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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