PGJ vs VTI
Invesco Golden Dragon China ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PGJ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $94M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.40% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 74 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -15.76% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | -11.00% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -0.73% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -9.53% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -78.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 9, 2004 | May 24, 2001 |
PGJ vs VTI Performance
Invesco Golden Dragon China ETF (PGJ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PGJ returned -11.00% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, PGJ is down 15.76% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, PGJ compounded at -0.73% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -9.53% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +3.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PGJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.2% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -78.4% for PGJ 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PGJ charges 0.70% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $3 annually, a gap of $67 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PGJ currently yields 3.40% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PGJ and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2855 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PGJ or VTI?
PGJ has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PGJ or VTI?
Over the past year PGJ returned -11.00% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), PGJ annualized +3.12% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PGJ or VTI?
PGJ has been the more volatile fund at 30.2% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: PGJ -78.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PGJ and VTI?
PGJ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PGJ and VTI?
PGJ and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2855 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PGJ or VTI?
PGJ yields 3.40% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PGJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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