PFXF vs VXUS
VanEck Preferred Securities ex Financials 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 | PFXF | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $2.4B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.42% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 117 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +3.32% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.97% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.77% | +19.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.19% | +9.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 16, 2012 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PFXF vs VXUS Performance
VanEck Preferred Securities ex Financials ETF (PFXF) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PFXF returned +8.97% while VXUS returned +27.38%. Year to date, PFXF is up 3.32% versus a gain of 14.19% for VXUS.
Over three years, PFXF compounded at +8.77% per year against +19.53% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +3.19% and +9.03% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.83% annualized vs +1.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PFXF charges 0.40% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $5 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PFXF currently yields 6.42% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PFXF and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7967 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PFXF | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| TRP:CA | 0.43% | 0.15% | 0.28% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PFXF or VXUS?
PFXF has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PFXF or VXUS?
Over the past year PFXF returned +8.97% vs +27.38% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), PFXF annualized +1.77% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PFXF or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 10.2% for PFXF. Worst drawdown: PFXF -37.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PFXF and VXUS?
PFXF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PFXF and VXUS?
PFXF and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7967 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PFXF or VXUS?
PFXF yields 6.42% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so PFXF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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