PFXF vs VOO
VanEck Preferred Securities ex Financials ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PFXF | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.4B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.42% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 117 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +3.32% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.97% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.77% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.19% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 16, 2012 | Sep 7, 2010 |
PFXF vs VOO Performance
VanEck Preferred Securities ex Financials ETF (PFXF) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PFXF returned +8.97% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, PFXF is up 3.32% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, PFXF compounded at +8.77% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +3.19% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +1.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 10.2% for PFXF. 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 -37.3% for PFXF and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PFXF charges 0.40% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $3 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PFXF currently yields 6.42% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
PFXF and VOO share 6 holdings out of 606 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PFXF or VOO?
PFXF has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PFXF or VOO?
Over the past year PFXF returned +8.97% vs +22.62% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), PFXF annualized +1.77% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PFXF or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 10.2% for PFXF. Worst drawdown: PFXF -37.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both PFXF and VOO?
PFXF and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PFXF and VOO?
PFXF and VOO share 6 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 606 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PFXF or VOO?
PFXF yields 6.42% while VOO yields 1.09%, so PFXF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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