PSK vs VXUS
State Street SPDR ICE Preferred Securities ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PSK | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $691M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.06% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 161 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -3.60% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | -1.59% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +2.75% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.49% | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 16, 2009 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PSK vs VXUS Performance
State Street SPDR ICE Preferred Securities ETF (PSK) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PSK returned -1.59% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, PSK is down 3.60% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Over three years, PSK compounded at +2.75% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -1.49% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.83% annualized vs +0.18%. 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 8.9% for PSK. 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 -34.1% for PSK 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PSK charges 0.45% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $5 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PSK currently yields 7.06% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PSK and VXUS share 2 holdings out of 8003 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PSK or VXUS?
PSK has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PSK or VXUS?
Over the past year PSK returned -1.59% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PSK annualized +0.18% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PSK or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 8.9% for PSK. Worst drawdown: PSK -34.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PSK and VXUS?
PSK and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PSK and VXUS?
PSK and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8003 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PSK or VXUS?
PSK yields 7.06% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so PSK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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