PREF vs VYM
Principal Spectrum Preferred Securities Active ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PREF | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.8B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.13% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 153 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +1.43% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.77% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.16% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.65% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Principal Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 10, 2017 | Nov 10, 2006 |
PREF vs VYM Performance
Principal Spectrum Preferred Securities Active ETF (PREF) is a ETF from Principal Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PREF returned +4.77% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, PREF is up 1.43% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, PREF compounded at +8.16% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +2.65% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +2.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PREF charges 0.55% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $4 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PREF currently yields 5.13% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PREF or VYM?
PREF has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PREF or VYM?
Over the past year PREF returned +4.77% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), PREF annualized +2.07% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PREF or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 7.8% for PREF. Worst drawdown: PREF -23.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both PREF and VYM?
PREF and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PREF and VYM?
PREF and VYM share 2 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 669 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PREF or VYM?
PREF yields 5.13% while VYM yields 2.86%, so PREF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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