PFO vs VYM
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Income Opportunity Fund Inc vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 613 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PFO | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | - | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $132M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.71% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 260 | 613 | |
| YTD Return | +0.36% | +14.18% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.56% | +20.67% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.75% | +18.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.12% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.3% | 14.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Flaherty & Crumrine | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 13, 1992 | Nov 10, 2006 |
PFO vs VYM Performance
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Income Opportunity Fund Inc (PFO) is a ETF from Flaherty & Crumrine and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PFO returned +4.56% while VYM returned +20.67%. Year to date, PFO is up 0.36% versus a gain of 14.18% for VYM.
Over three years, PFO compounded at +13.75% per year against +18.47% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -0.12% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +6.97% 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 14.5% 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 -83.2% for PFO 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Holdings Overlap
PFO and VYM share 20 holdings out of 760 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which performed better, PFO or VYM?
Over the past year PFO returned +4.56% vs +20.67% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), PFO annualized +0.84% vs +6.97% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PFO or VYM?
PFO has been the more volatile fund at 18.3% annualized versus 14.5% for VYM. Worst drawdown: PFO -83.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both PFO and VYM?
PFO and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PFO and VYM?
PFO and VYM share 20 common holdings with a 1.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 760 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PFO or VYM?
PFO yields 6.71% while VYM yields 2.24%, so PFO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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