PFO vs VTI
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Income Opportunity Fund Inc vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PFO | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | - | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $132M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.60% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 260 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +0.28% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.83% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.40% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.36% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Flaherty & Crumrine | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 13, 1992 | May 24, 2001 |
PFO vs VTI Performance
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Income Opportunity Fund Inc (PFO) is a ETF from Flaherty & Crumrine and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PFO returned +4.83% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, PFO is up 0.28% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Over three years, PFO compounded at +12.40% per year against +21.27% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -0.36% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +0.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PFO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.3% 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 -83.2% for PFO 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Holdings Overlap
PFO and VTI share 22 holdings out of 2938 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which performed better, PFO or VTI?
Over the past year PFO returned +4.83% vs +22.19% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), PFO annualized +0.84% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PFO or VTI?
PFO has been the more volatile fund at 18.3% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: PFO -83.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PFO and VTI?
PFO and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PFO and VTI?
PFO and VTI share 22 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2938 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PFO or VTI?
PFO yields 6.60% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PFO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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