PMMF vs VXUS
PMMF vs VXUS
iShares Prime Money Market ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PMMF | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $663M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.03% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 248 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +2.09% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.80% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 0.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -0.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Money Market | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 4, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PMMF vs VXUS Performance
iShares Prime Money Market ETF (PMMF) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PMMF returned +3.80% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, PMMF is up 2.09% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 0.7% for PMMF. 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 -0.3% for PMMF and -39.9% for VXUS. 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 -0.04. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PMMF charges 0.20% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $5 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PMMF currently yields 4.03% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PMMF and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7861 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PMMF | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| RY:CA | 0.31% | 0.53% | 0.22% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PMMF or VXUS?
PMMF has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PMMF or VXUS?
Over the past year PMMF returned +3.80% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PMMF annualized +3.99% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PMMF or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 0.7% for PMMF. Worst drawdown: PMMF -0.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PMMF and VXUS?
PMMF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.04, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PMMF and VXUS?
PMMF and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7861 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PMMF or VXUS?
PMMF yields 4.03% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so PMMF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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