PFUT vs VXUS
PFUT vs VXUS
Putnam Sustainable Future ETF 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 | PFUT | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.64% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $4M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 72 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +1.20% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.40% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.99% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.47% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -44.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Putnam Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 25, 2021 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PFUT vs VXUS Performance
Putnam Sustainable Future ETF (PFUT) is a ETF from Putnam Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PFUT returned +4.40% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, PFUT is up 1.20% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, PFUT compounded at +10.99% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +0.47% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +0.61%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PFUT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.0% 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 -44.9% for PFUT 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PFUT charges 0.64% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $64 vs $5 annually, a gap of $59 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PFUT currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PFUT and VXUS share 3 holdings out of 7926 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PFUT or VXUS?
PFUT has an expense ratio of 0.64% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $59 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PFUT or VXUS?
Over the past year PFUT returned +4.40% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), PFUT annualized +0.61% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PFUT or VXUS?
PFUT has been the more volatile fund at 20.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: PFUT -44.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PFUT and VXUS?
PFUT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PFUT and VXUS?
PFUT and VXUS share 3 common holdings with a 1.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7926 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PFUT or VXUS?
PFUT yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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