PREF vs VTI
Principal Spectrum Preferred Securities Active ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PREF | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.8B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.13% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 153 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.35% | +14.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.53% | +23.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.15% | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.65% | +12.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Principal Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 10, 2017 | May 24, 2001 |
PREF vs VTI Performance
Principal Spectrum Preferred Securities Active ETF (PREF) is a ETF from Principal Funds and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PREF returned +4.53% while VTI returned +23.62%. Year to date, PREF is up 1.35% versus a gain of 14.16% for VTI.
Over three years, PREF compounded at +8.15% per year against +21.43% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +2.65% and +12.33% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +2.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 7.8% for PREF. 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 -23.3% for PREF 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PREF charges 0.55% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $3 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PREF currently yields 5.13% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PREF or VTI?
PREF has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PREF or VTI?
Over the past year PREF returned +4.53% vs +23.62% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), PREF annualized +2.06% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PREF or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 7.8% for PREF. Worst drawdown: PREF -23.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PREF and VTI?
PREF and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PREF and VTI?
PREF and VTI share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2894 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PREF or VTI?
PREF yields 5.13% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PREF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.