PIEQ vs VYM
Principal International Equity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PIEQ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.48% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.19% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 50 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +10.36% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.27% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Principal Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 6, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
PIEQ vs VYM Performance
Principal International Equity ETF (PIEQ) is a ETF from Principal Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PIEQ returned +23.27% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, PIEQ is up 10.36% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PIEQ charges 0.48% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $48 vs $4 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PIEQ currently yields 1.19% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
PIEQ and VYM share 0 holdings out of 597 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 VYM?
PIEQ has an expense ratio of 0.48% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PIEQ or VYM?
Over the past year PIEQ returned +23.27% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PIEQ annualized +25.13% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PIEQ or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 9.9% for PIEQ. Worst drawdown: PIEQ -15.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both PIEQ and VYM?
PIEQ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PIEQ and VYM?
PIEQ and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 597 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PIEQ or VYM?
PIEQ yields 1.19% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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