PGP vs VYM
PGP vs VYM
PIMCO Global StockPlus & Income Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PGP | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.64% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $103M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.11% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 417 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -1.05% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.37% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.69% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.94% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -81.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 31, 2005 | Nov 10, 2006 |
PGP vs VYM Performance
PIMCO Global StockPlus & Income Fund (PGP) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PGP returned +12.37% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, PGP is down 1.05% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, PGP compounded at +16.69% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +4.94% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% 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 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PGP charges 2.64% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $264 vs $4 annually, a gap of $260 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PGP currently yields 9.11% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
PGP and VYM share 0 holdings out of 583 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 VYM?
PGP has an expense ratio of 2.64% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $260 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PGP or VYM?
Over the past year PGP returned +12.37% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), PGP annualized -2.40% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PGP or VYM?
PGP has been the more volatile fund at 26.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: PGP -81.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both PGP and VYM?
PGP and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PGP and VYM?
PGP and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 583 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PGP or VYM?
PGP yields 9.11% while VYM yields 2.86%, so PGP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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