PHDG vs VGI

Quick Verdict

PHDG has a lower expense ratio. PHDG delivered stronger 1-year returns. PHDG offers more diversification with 494 holdings.

Lower Fees: PHDGHigher Returns: PHDGMore Diversified: PHDG

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPHDGVGIWinner
Expense Ratio0.39%1.74%
AUM$61M$88M
Dividend Yield1.68%11.98%
Holdings514646
YTD Return+13.02%+1.47%
1Y Return+18.49%+5.12%
3Y Return (annualized)+9.60%+11.60%
5Y Return (annualized)+4.75%+2.10%
Volatility (annualized)9.9%14.2%
Max Drawdown-23.6%-63.3%
Fund FamilyInvesco (US)Virtus Investment Partners
CategoryEquityFixed Income
InceptionDec 5, 2012Feb 23, 2012

PHDG vs VGI Performance

Invesco S&P 500 Downside Hedged ETF (PHDG) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund (VGI) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners. Over the past year PHDG returned +18.49% while VGI returned +5.12%. Year to date, PHDG is up 13.02% versus a gain of 1.47% for VGI.

Over three years, PHDG compounded at +9.60% per year against +11.60% for VGI; over five years the annualized figures are +4.75% and +2.10% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, PHDG has the edge at +4.45% annualized vs -2.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VGI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.2% compared with 9.9% for PHDG. 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 -23.6% for PHDG and -63.3% for VGI. 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 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PHDG charges 0.39% per year while VGI charges 1.74%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $174 annually, a gap of $135 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PHDG currently yields 1.68% against 11.98% for VGI.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

PHDG and VGI share 0 holdings out of 928 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, PHDG or VGI?

PHDG has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VGI charges 1.74%. PHDG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $135 per year of difference.

Which performed better, PHDG or VGI?

Over the past year PHDG returned +18.49% vs +5.12% for VGI, so PHDG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), PHDG annualized +4.45% vs -2.38% for VGI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PHDG or VGI?

VGI has been the more volatile fund at 14.2% annualized versus 9.9% for PHDG. Worst drawdown: PHDG -23.6% vs VGI -63.3%.

Should I hold both PHDG and VGI?

PHDG and VGI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between PHDG and VGI?

PHDG and VGI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 928 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, PHDG or VGI?

PHDG yields 1.68% while VGI yields 11.98%, so VGI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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