PML vs VTI
PIMCO Municipal Income Fund II 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 | PML | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 4.81% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.0B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.05% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 364 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.09% | +13.38% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.52% | +21.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.42% | +21.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -8.03% | +12.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -67.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 28, 2002 | May 24, 2001 |
PML vs VTI Performance
PIMCO Municipal Income Fund II (PML) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PML returned +9.52% while VTI returned +21.12%. Year to date, PML is up 1.09% versus a gain of 13.38% for VTI.
Over three years, PML compounded at +0.42% per year against +21.85% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -8.03% and +12.44% respectively. Across the full 24-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.10% annualized vs -1.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PML has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% 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 -67.4% for PML 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 0.32. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PML charges 4.81% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $481 vs $3 annually, a gap of $478 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PML currently yields 6.05% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PML and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2935 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, PML or VTI?
PML has an expense ratio of 4.81% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $478 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PML or VTI?
Over the past year PML returned +9.52% vs +21.12% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (24 years), PML annualized -1.63% vs +8.10% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PML or VTI?
PML has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: PML -67.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PML and VTI?
PML and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.32, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PML and VTI?
PML and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2935 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PML or VTI?
PML yields 6.05% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PML currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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