PPA vs VTI

PPA vs VTI
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Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. PPA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: PPAMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPPAVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.58%0.03%
AUM$8.7B$666.9B
Dividend Yield0.37%1.07%
Holdings633,543
YTD Return+14.98%+14.82%
1Y Return+26.48%+22.43%
3Y Return (annualized)+30.70%+21.93%
5Y Return (annualized)+20.89%+12.34%
Volatility (annualized)18.3%15.4%
Max Drawdown-57.8%-56.6%
Fund FamilyInvesco (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionOct 26, 2005May 24, 2001

PPA vs VTI Performance

Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (PPA) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PPA returned +26.48% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, PPA is up 14.98% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.

Over three years, PPA compounded at +30.70% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +20.89% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 21-year window we track, PPA has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

PPA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.3% compared with 15.4% 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 -57.8% for PPA 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PPA charges 0.58% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $3 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PPA currently yields 0.37% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

3.7%overlap

PPA and VTI share 54 holdings out of 2795 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.7% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in PPAWeight in VTIDifference
GE9.80%0.54%9.26%
BA8.27%0.23%8.04%
RTX7.35%0.35%7.00%
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, PPA or VTI?

PPA has an expense ratio of 0.58% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.

Which performed better, PPA or VTI?

Over the past year PPA returned +26.48% vs +22.43% for VTI, so PPA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (21 years), PPA annualized +13.03% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PPA or VTI?

PPA has been the more volatile fund at 18.3% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: PPA -57.8% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both PPA and VTI?

PPA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between PPA and VTI?

PPA and VTI share 54 common holdings with a 3.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2795 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, PPA or VTI?

PPA yields 0.37% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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