PPH vs VXUS
VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. PPH delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PPH | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.36% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $985M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.92% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 27 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +8.38% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.44% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.51% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.85% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 20, 2011 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PPH vs VXUS Performance
VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF (PPH) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PPH returned +31.44% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, PPH is up 8.38% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, PPH compounded at +12.51% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.85% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +4.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PPH charges 0.36% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $36 vs $5 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PPH currently yields 1.92% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PPH and VXUS share 5 holdings out of 7889 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PPH or VXUS?
PPH has an expense ratio of 0.36% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PPH or VXUS?
Over the past year PPH returned +31.44% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so PPH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PPH annualized +4.13% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PPH or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.8% for PPH. Worst drawdown: PPH -56.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PPH and VXUS?
PPH and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PPH and VXUS?
PPH and VXUS share 5 common holdings with a 1.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7889 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PPH or VXUS?
PPH yields 1.92% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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