PIO vs VTI
Invesco Global Water 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 | PIO | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $271M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.90% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 48 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +3.11% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.13% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.27% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.44% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -65.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 13, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
PIO vs VTI Performance
Invesco Global Water ETF (PIO) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PIO returned +1.13% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, PIO is up 3.11% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, PIO compounded at +9.27% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +2.44% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +3.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PIO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% 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 -65.4% for PIO 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PIO charges 0.75% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $3 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PIO currently yields 0.90% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PIO and VTI share 11 holdings out of 2809 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PIO or VTI?
PIO has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PIO or VTI?
Over the past year PIO returned +1.13% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), PIO annualized +3.55% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PIO or VTI?
PIO has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: PIO -65.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PIO and VTI?
PIO and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PIO and VTI?
PIO and VTI share 11 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2809 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PIO or VTI?
PIO yields 0.90% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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