PIEQ vs VTI
Principal International Equity 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 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PIEQ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.48% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.19% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 50 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +10.05% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.63% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.9% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Principal Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 6, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
PIEQ vs VTI Performance
Principal International Equity ETF (PIEQ) is a ETF from Principal Funds and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PIEQ returned +21.63% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, PIEQ is up 10.05% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% 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 -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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PIEQ charges 0.48% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PIEQ and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2822 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 VTI?
PIEQ has an expense ratio of 0.48% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PIEQ or VTI?
Over the past year PIEQ returned +21.63% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PIEQ annualized +24.89% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PIEQ or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 9.9% for PIEQ. Worst drawdown: PIEQ -15.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PIEQ and VTI?
PIEQ and VTI 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 VTI?
PIEQ and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2822 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PIEQ or VTI?
PIEQ yields 1.19% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PIEQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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