PGRO vs VTI
Putnam Focused Large Cap Growth 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 | PGRO | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $202M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.02% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 38 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +7.85% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.05% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.91% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.43% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.9% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Putnam Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 25, 2021 | May 24, 2001 |
PGRO vs VTI Performance
Putnam Focused Large Cap Growth ETF (PGRO) is a ETF from Putnam Investments and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PGRO returned +12.05% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, PGRO is up 7.85% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, PGRO compounded at +22.91% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +11.43% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, PGRO has the edge at +13.37% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PGRO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.9% compared with 15.4% 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 -34.7% for PGRO 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PGRO charges 0.50% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $3 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PGRO currently yields 0.02% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PGRO and VTI share 30 holdings out of 2786 unique holdings combined, representing a 36.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PGRO or VTI?
PGRO has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PGRO or VTI?
Over the past year PGRO returned +12.05% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), PGRO annualized +13.37% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PGRO or VTI?
PGRO has been the more volatile fund at 19.9% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: PGRO -34.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PGRO and VTI?
PGRO and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between PGRO and VTI?
PGRO and VTI share 30 common holdings with a 36.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2786 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PGRO or VTI?
PGRO yields 0.02% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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