PTA vs VYM
Cohen & Steers Tax-Advantaged Preferred Securities & Income Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PTA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.01% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | - | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.91% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 283 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +1.84% | +15.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.22% | +23.85% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.51% | +19.14% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.14% | +12.45% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Cohen & Steers Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 28, 2020 | Nov 10, 2006 |
PTA vs VYM Performance
Cohen & Steers Tax-Advantaged Preferred Securities & Income Fund (PTA) is a ETF from Cohen & Steers Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PTA returned +1.22% while VYM returned +23.85%. Year to date, PTA is up 1.84% versus a gain of 15.75% for VYM.
Over three years, PTA compounded at +10.51% per year against +19.14% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +2.14% and +12.45% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.06% annualized vs +2.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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
PTA charges 2.01% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $201 vs $4 annually, a gap of $197 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PTA currently yields 7.91% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
PTA and VYM share 3 holdings out of 767 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PTA or VYM?
PTA has an expense ratio of 2.01% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $197 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PTA or VYM?
Over the past year PTA returned +1.22% vs +23.85% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), PTA annualized +2.84% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PTA or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.6% for PTA. Worst drawdown: PTA -28.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both PTA and VYM?
PTA and VYM 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 PTA and VYM?
PTA and VYM share 3 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 767 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PTA or VYM?
PTA yields 7.91% while VYM yields 2.24%, so PTA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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