PIEQ vs VOO
Principal International Equity ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. PIEQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PIEQ | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.48% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.19% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 50 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +10.36% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.27% | +21.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.9% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Principal Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 6, 2024 | Sep 7, 2010 |
PIEQ vs VOO Performance
Principal International Equity ETF (PIEQ) is a ETF from Principal Funds and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PIEQ returned +23.27% while VOO returned +21.63%. Year to date, PIEQ is up 10.36% versus a gain of 13.72% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 9.9% for PIEQ. 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 -15.2% for PIEQ and -34.3% for VOO. 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
PIEQ charges 0.48% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $48 vs $3 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PIEQ currently yields 1.19% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
PIEQ and VOO share 0 holdings out of 544 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, PIEQ or VOO?
PIEQ has an expense ratio of 0.48% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PIEQ or VOO?
Over the past year PIEQ returned +23.27% vs +21.63% for VOO, so PIEQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PIEQ annualized +25.13% vs +13.56% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PIEQ or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 9.9% for PIEQ. Worst drawdown: PIEQ -15.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both PIEQ and VOO?
PIEQ and VOO 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 PIEQ and VOO?
PIEQ and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 544 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PIEQ or VOO?
PIEQ yields 1.19% while VOO yields 1.09%, so PIEQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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