PHK vs VXUS
PHK vs VXUS
PIMCO High Income Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PHK | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.92% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $845M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 12.72% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 468 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +3.87% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.54% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.81% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.35% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -80.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 30, 2003 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PHK vs VXUS Performance
PIMCO High Income Fund (PHK) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PHK returned +7.54% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, PHK is up 3.87% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, PHK compounded at +9.81% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +3.35% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -2.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PHK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.4% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -80.9% for PHK and -39.9% for VXUS. 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
PHK charges 2.92% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $292 vs $5 annually, a gap of $287 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PHK currently yields 12.72% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PHK and VXUS share 2 holdings out of 7881 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PHK or VXUS?
PHK has an expense ratio of 2.92% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $287 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PHK or VXUS?
Over the past year PHK returned +7.54% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PHK annualized -2.31% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PHK or VXUS?
PHK has been the more volatile fund at 26.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: PHK -80.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PHK and VXUS?
PHK and VXUS 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 PHK and VXUS?
PHK and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7881 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PHK or VXUS?
PHK yields 12.72% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so PHK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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