PSC vs VOO
PSC vs VOO
Principal U.S. Small-Cap Multi-Factor ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. PSC delivered stronger 1-year returns. PSC offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PSC | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.55% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 513 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +20.69% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.12% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.87% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.84% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.9% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -47.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Principal Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 21, 2016 | Sep 7, 2010 |
PSC vs VOO Performance
Principal U.S. Small-Cap Multi-Factor ETF (PSC) is a ETF from Principal Funds and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PSC returned +33.12% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, PSC is up 20.69% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, PSC compounded at +17.87% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +9.84% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +11.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PSC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.9% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -47.9% for PSC and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PSC charges 0.38% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $3 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PSC currently yields 0.55% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
PSC and VOO share 0 holdings out of 1014 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PSC or VOO?
PSC has an expense ratio of 0.38% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PSC or VOO?
Over the past year PSC returned +33.12% vs +23.71% for VOO, so PSC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), PSC annualized +11.49% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PSC or VOO?
PSC has been the more volatile fund at 20.9% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: PSC -47.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both PSC and VOO?
PSC and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PSC and VOO?
PSC and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1014 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PSC or VOO?
PSC yields 0.55% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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