PHO vs VTI
Invesco Water Resources 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 | PHO | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.1B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.58% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 42 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.90% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.32% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.84% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.86% | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.8% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -55.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 6, 2005 | May 24, 2001 |
PHO vs VTI Performance
Invesco Water Resources ETF (PHO) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PHO returned -0.32% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, PHO is up 1.90% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, PHO compounded at +8.84% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +4.86% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 21-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +7.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PHO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.8% 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 -55.8% for PHO 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PHO charges 0.59% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $3 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PHO currently yields 0.58% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PHO and VTI share 33 holdings out of 2795 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PHO or VTI?
PHO has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PHO or VTI?
Over the past year PHO returned -0.32% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (21 years), PHO annualized +7.85% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PHO or VTI?
PHO has been the more volatile fund at 18.8% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: PHO -55.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PHO and VTI?
PHO and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PHO and VTI?
PHO and VTI share 33 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2795 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PHO or VTI?
PHO yields 0.58% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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