PTEU vs VXUS
Pacer Trendpilot European Index 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 | PTEU | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $36M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.76% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 293 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +11.26% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.28% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.44% | +19.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.08% | +9.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 14, 2015 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PTEU vs VXUS Performance
Pacer Trendpilot European Index ETF (PTEU) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PTEU returned +20.28% while VXUS returned +27.38%. Year to date, PTEU is up 11.26% versus a gain of 14.19% for VXUS.
Over three years, PTEU compounded at +11.44% per year against +19.53% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.08% and +9.03% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.83% annualized vs +4.48%. 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 13.2% for PTEU. 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 -35.5% for PTEU 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PTEU charges 0.65% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $5 annually, a gap of $60 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PTEU currently yields 1.76% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PTEU and VXUS share 155 holdings out of 7986 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PTEU or VXUS?
PTEU has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $60 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PTEU or VXUS?
Over the past year PTEU returned +20.28% vs +27.38% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), PTEU annualized +4.48% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PTEU or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.2% for PTEU. Worst drawdown: PTEU -35.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PTEU and VXUS?
PTEU and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PTEU and VXUS?
PTEU and VXUS share 155 common holdings with a 8.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7986 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PTEU or VXUS?
PTEU yields 1.76% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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