PFXF vs VTI
VanEck Preferred Securities ex Financials ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PFXF | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.4B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.64% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 122 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +4.93% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.41% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.52% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.44% | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.2% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 16, 2012 | May 24, 2001 |
PFXF vs VTI Performance
VanEck Preferred Securities ex Financials ETF (PFXF) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PFXF returned +9.41% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, PFXF is up 4.93% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, PFXF compounded at +9.52% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +3.44% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +1.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% 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 -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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PFXF charges 0.40% per year while VTI 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 6.64% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PFXF and VTI share 22 holdings out of 2799 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PFXF or VTI?
PFXF has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PFXF or VTI?
Over the past year PFXF returned +9.41% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), PFXF annualized +1.88% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PFXF or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 10.2% for PFXF. Worst drawdown: PFXF -37.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PFXF and VTI?
PFXF and VTI 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 VTI?
PFXF and VTI share 22 common holdings with a 2.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2799 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PFXF or VTI?
PFXF yields 6.64% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PFXF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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