PTA vs VXUS
Cohen & Steers Tax-Advantaged Preferred Securities & Income Fund 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PTA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.01% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | - | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.91% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 283 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +1.84% | +13.56% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.22% | +24.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.51% | +20.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.14% | +9.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Cohen & Steers Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 28, 2020 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PTA vs VXUS Performance
Cohen & Steers Tax-Advantaged Preferred Securities & Income Fund (PTA) is a ETF from Cohen & Steers Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PTA returned +1.22% while VXUS returned +24.30%. Year to date, PTA is up 1.84% versus a gain of 13.56% for VXUS.
Over three years, PTA compounded at +10.51% per year against +20.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +2.14% and +9.37% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.79% annualized vs +2.84%. 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 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 -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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PTA charges 2.01% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $201 vs $5 annually, a gap of $196 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PTA currently yields 7.91% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PTA and VXUS share 2 holdings out of 8034 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PTA or VXUS?
PTA has an expense ratio of 2.01% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $196 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PTA or VXUS?
Over the past year PTA returned +1.22% vs +24.30% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), PTA annualized +2.84% vs +4.79% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PTA or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.6% for PTA. Worst drawdown: PTA -28.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PTA and VXUS?
PTA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PTA and VXUS?
PTA and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8034 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PTA or VXUS?
PTA yields 7.91% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so PTA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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