PGP vs VXUS
PGP vs VXUS
PIMCO Global StockPlus & Income Fund 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 | PGP | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.64% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $103M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.11% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 417 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -1.05% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.37% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.69% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.94% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -81.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 31, 2005 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PGP vs VXUS Performance
PIMCO Global StockPlus & Income Fund (PGP) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PGP returned +12.37% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, PGP is down 1.05% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, PGP compounded at +16.69% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +4.94% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -2.40%. 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 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PGP charges 2.64% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $264 vs $5 annually, a gap of $259 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PGP currently yields 9.11% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PGP and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7885 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 PGP | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMPS:MI | 1.27% | 0.05% | 1.22% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PGP or VXUS?
PGP has an expense ratio of 2.64% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $259 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PGP or VXUS?
Over the past year PGP returned +12.37% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PGP annualized -2.40% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PGP or VXUS?
PGP has been the more volatile fund at 26.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: PGP -81.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PGP and VXUS?
PGP and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PGP and VXUS?
PGP and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7885 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PGP or VXUS?
PGP yields 9.11% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so PGP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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