PFL vs VYM
PIMCO Income Strategy Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PFL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.37% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $386M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 12.79% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 401 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -0.68% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.45% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.51% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.95% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -82.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 26, 2003 | Nov 10, 2006 |
PFL vs VYM Performance
PIMCO Income Strategy Fund (PFL) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PFL returned +3.45% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, PFL is down 0.68% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, PFL compounded at +10.51% per year against +18.29% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +0.95% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.08% 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 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $137 vs $4 annually, a gap of $133 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PFL currently yields 12.79% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
PFL and VYM share 0 holdings out of 579 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 VYM?
PFL has an expense ratio of 1.37% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $133 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PFL or VYM?
Over the past year PFL returned +3.45% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), PFL annualized -1.43% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PFL or VYM?
PFL has been the more volatile fund at 19.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: PFL -82.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both PFL and VYM?
PFL and VYM 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 VYM?
PFL and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 579 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PFL or VYM?
PFL yields 12.79% while VYM yields 2.86%, so PFL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.