PGP vs VTI
PIMCO Global StockPlus & Income Fund 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 | PGP | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.64% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $103M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.11% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 417 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -0.02% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.21% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.00% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.12% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -81.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 31, 2005 | May 24, 2001 |
PGP vs VTI Performance
PIMCO Global StockPlus & Income Fund (PGP) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PGP returned +13.21% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, PGP is down 0.02% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, PGP compounded at +18.00% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +5.12% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 21-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs -2.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PGP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.3% 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 -81.3% for PGP 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PGP charges 2.64% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $264 vs $3 annually, a gap of $261 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PGP currently yields 9.11% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PGP and VTI share 5 holdings out of 2803 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, PGP or VTI?
PGP has an expense ratio of 2.64% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $261 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PGP or VTI?
Over the past year PGP returned +13.21% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (21 years), PGP annualized -2.35% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PGP or VTI?
PGP has been the more volatile fund at 26.3% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: PGP -81.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PGP and VTI?
PGP and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PGP and VTI?
PGP and VTI share 5 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2803 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PGP or VTI?
PGP yields 9.11% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PGP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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