PTA vs VTI
Cohen & Steers Tax-Advantaged Preferred Securities & Income Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PTA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.01% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | - | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.91% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 283 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.08% | +13.67% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.04% | +22.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.23% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.10% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Cohen & Steers Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 28, 2020 | May 24, 2001 |
PTA vs VTI Performance
Cohen & Steers Tax-Advantaged Preferred Securities & Income Fund (PTA) is a ETF from Cohen & Steers Funds and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PTA returned -0.04% while VTI returned +22.17%. Year to date, PTA is up 1.08% versus a gain of 13.67% for VTI.
Over three years, PTA compounded at +10.23% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +2.10% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.11% annualized vs +2.71%. 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 13.6% for PTA. 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 -28.7% for PTA 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PTA charges 2.01% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $201 vs $3 annually, a gap of $198 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PTA currently yields 7.91% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PTA and VTI share 3 holdings out of 2951 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PTA or VTI?
PTA has an expense ratio of 2.01% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $198 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PTA or VTI?
Over the past year PTA returned -0.04% vs +22.17% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), PTA annualized +2.71% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PTA or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.6% for PTA. Worst drawdown: PTA -28.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PTA and VTI?
PTA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PTA and VTI?
PTA and VTI share 3 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2951 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PTA or VTI?
PTA yields 7.91% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PTA 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.