PLDR vs VYM
Putnam Sustainable Leaders 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PLDR | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $3M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.35% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 56 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +1.55% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.67% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.88% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.14% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -29.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Putnam Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 25, 2021 | Nov 10, 2006 |
PLDR vs VYM Performance
Putnam Sustainable Leaders ETF (PLDR) is a ETF from Putnam Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PLDR returned +15.67% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, PLDR is up 1.55% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, PLDR compounded at +16.88% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.14% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, PLDR has the edge at +9.09% annualized vs +7.10%. 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 14.6% for VYM. 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 -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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PLDR charges 0.59% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $4 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PLDR currently yields 0.35% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
PLDR and VYM share 12 holdings out of 643 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PLDR or VYM?
PLDR has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PLDR or VYM?
Over the past year PLDR returned +15.67% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), PLDR annualized +9.09% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PLDR or VYM?
PLDR has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: PLDR -29.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both PLDR and VYM?
PLDR and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PLDR and VYM?
PLDR and VYM share 12 common holdings with a 10.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 643 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PLDR or VYM?
PLDR yields 0.35% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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