PGX vs VTI
Invesco Preferred ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PGX | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3.8B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.38% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 270 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -3.24% | +13.38% | |
| 1Y Return | -2.01% | +21.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.98% | +21.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.30% | +12.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -69.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 2008 | May 24, 2001 |
PGX vs VTI Performance
Invesco Preferred ETF (PGX) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PGX returned -2.01% while VTI returned +21.12%. Year to date, PGX is down 3.24% versus a gain of 13.38% for VTI.
Over three years, PGX compounded at +4.98% per year against +21.85% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -1.30% and +12.44% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.10% annualized vs -1.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.4% for PGX. 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 -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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PGX 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, PGX currently yields 6.38% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PGX and VTI share 38 holdings out of 2976 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PGX or VTI?
PGX 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, PGX or VTI?
Over the past year PGX returned -2.01% vs +21.12% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), PGX annualized -1.79% vs +8.10% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PGX or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.4% for PGX. Worst drawdown: PGX -69.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PGX and VTI?
PGX and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PGX and VTI?
PGX and VTI share 38 common holdings with a 2.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2976 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PGX or VTI?
PGX yields 6.38% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PGX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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