PNI vs VXUS
PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund II 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 | PNI | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.31% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $187M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.46% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 148 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +3.88% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.76% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.12% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -5.74% | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 28, 2002 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PNI vs VXUS Performance
PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund II (PNI) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PNI returned +11.76% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, PNI is up 3.88% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Over three years, PNI compounded at +3.12% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -5.74% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.83% annualized vs -2.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PNI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.8% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -64.2% for PNI 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PNI charges 1.31% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $131 vs $5 annually, a gap of $126 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PNI currently yields 4.46% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PNI and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7918 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, PNI or VXUS?
PNI has an expense ratio of 1.31% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $126 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PNI or VXUS?
Over the past year PNI returned +11.76% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PNI annualized -2.06% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PNI or VXUS?
PNI has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: PNI -64.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PNI and VXUS?
PNI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PNI and VXUS?
PNI and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7918 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PNI or VXUS?
PNI yields 4.46% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so PNI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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