PGX vs VOO
Invesco Preferred ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PGX | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3.8B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.38% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 270 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -2.79% | +13.73% | |
| 1Y Return | -1.55% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.97% | +22.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.24% | +13.31% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.4% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -69.5% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 2008 | Sep 7, 2010 |
PGX vs VOO Performance
Invesco Preferred ETF (PGX) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PGX returned -1.55% while VOO returned +21.53%. Year to date, PGX is down 2.79% versus a gain of 13.73% for VOO.
Over three years, PGX compounded at +4.97% per year against +22.60% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -1.24% and +13.31% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs -1.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PGX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.4% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -69.5% for PGX and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PGX charges 0.50% per year while VOO 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, PGX currently yields 6.38% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
PGX and VOO share 21 holdings out of 711 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PGX or VOO?
PGX has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PGX or VOO?
Over the past year PGX returned -1.55% vs +21.53% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PGX annualized -1.77% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PGX or VOO?
PGX has been the more volatile fund at 14.4% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: PGX -69.5% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both PGX and VOO?
PGX and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PGX and VOO?
PGX and VOO share 21 common holdings with a 2.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 711 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PGX or VOO?
PGX yields 6.38% while VOO yields 1.08%, so PGX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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