PPH vs VTI
VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. PPH delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PPH | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.36% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $985M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.92% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 27 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +8.38% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.44% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.51% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.85% | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.8% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 20, 2011 | May 24, 2001 |
PPH vs VTI Performance
VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF (PPH) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PPH returned +31.44% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, PPH is up 8.38% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, PPH compounded at +12.51% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.85% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +4.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 14.8% for PPH. 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 -56.6% for PPH 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PPH charges 0.36% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $36 vs $3 annually, a gap of $33 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PPH currently yields 1.92% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PPH and VTI share 15 holdings out of 2797 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PPH or VTI?
PPH has an expense ratio of 0.36% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $33 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PPH or VTI?
Over the past year PPH returned +31.44% vs +22.43% for VTI, so PPH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), PPH annualized +4.13% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PPH or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 14.8% for PPH. Worst drawdown: PPH -56.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PPH and VTI?
PPH and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PPH and VTI?
PPH and VTI share 15 common holdings with a 4.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2797 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PPH or VTI?
PPH yields 1.92% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PPH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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