PRFZ vs VTI
Invesco RAFI US 1500 Small-Mid ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. PRFZ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PRFZ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.34% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.8B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.77% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 1,554 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +23.36% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.01% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.46% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.38% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.3% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -63.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2006 | May 24, 2001 |
PRFZ vs VTI Performance
Invesco RAFI US 1500 Small-Mid ETF (PRFZ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PRFZ returned +31.01% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, PRFZ is up 23.36% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, PRFZ compounded at +18.46% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +10.38% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, PRFZ has the edge at +9.42% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PRFZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.3% 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 -63.0% for PRFZ 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PRFZ charges 0.34% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $34 vs $3 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PRFZ currently yields 0.77% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PRFZ and VTI share 998 holdings out of 3099 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PRFZ or VTI?
PRFZ has an expense ratio of 0.34% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PRFZ or VTI?
Over the past year PRFZ returned +31.01% vs +22.39% for VTI, so PRFZ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), PRFZ annualized +9.42% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PRFZ or VTI?
PRFZ has been the more volatile fund at 21.3% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: PRFZ -63.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PRFZ and VTI?
PRFZ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between PRFZ and VTI?
PRFZ and VTI share 998 common holdings with a 2.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3099 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PRFZ or VTI?
PRFZ yields 0.77% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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