PLDR vs VTI
Putnam Sustainable Leaders ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar 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 | PLDR | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.35% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 56 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.55% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.67% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.88% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.14% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -29.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Putnam Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 25, 2021 | May 24, 2001 |
PLDR vs VTI Performance
Putnam Sustainable Leaders ETF (PLDR) is a ETF from Putnam Investments and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PLDR returned +15.67% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, PLDR is up 1.55% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, PLDR compounded at +16.88% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.14% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, PLDR has the edge at +9.09% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PLDR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% compared with 15.3% 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 -29.6% for PLDR 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PLDR charges 0.59% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $3 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PLDR currently yields 0.35% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PLDR and VTI share 43 holdings out of 2796 unique holdings combined, representing a 37.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PLDR or VTI?
PLDR has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PLDR or VTI?
Over the past year PLDR returned +15.67% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), PLDR annualized +9.09% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PLDR or VTI?
PLDR has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: PLDR -29.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PLDR and VTI?
PLDR and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between PLDR and VTI?
PLDR and VTI share 43 common holdings with a 37.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2796 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PLDR or VTI?
PLDR yields 0.35% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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