PHYD vs VTI
PHYD vs VTI
Putnam ESG High Yield ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PHYD | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $8M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.98% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 323 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +2.34% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.64% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.71% | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 19, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
PHYD vs VTI Performance
Putnam ESG High Yield ETF (PHYD) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PHYD returned +7.64% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, PHYD is up 2.34% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Over three years, PHYD compounded at +8.71% per year against +21.12% for VTI. Across the full 3-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +7.86%. 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 4.5% for PHYD. 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 -4.3% for PHYD 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PHYD charges 0.55% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $3 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PHYD currently yields 8.98% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PHYD and VTI share 1 holdings out of 3048 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PHYD | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| THC | 0.32% | 0.02% | 0.30% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PHYD or VTI?
PHYD has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PHYD or VTI?
Over the past year PHYD returned +7.64% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), PHYD annualized +7.86% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PHYD or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 4.5% for PHYD. Worst drawdown: PHYD -4.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PHYD and VTI?
PHYD and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PHYD and VTI?
PHYD and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3048 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PHYD or VTI?
PHYD yields 8.98% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PHYD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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