PTEU vs VYM
Pacer Trendpilot European Index ETF 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PTEU | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $36M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.76% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 293 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +11.26% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.28% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.44% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.08% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 14, 2015 | Nov 10, 2006 |
PTEU vs VYM Performance
Pacer Trendpilot European Index ETF (PTEU) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PTEU returned +20.28% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, PTEU is up 11.26% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, PTEU compounded at +11.44% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.08% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.09% annualized vs +4.48%. 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 13.2% 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 -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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PTEU charges 0.65% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $4 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PTEU currently yields 1.76% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
PTEU and VYM share 3 holdings out of 835 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, PTEU or VYM?
PTEU has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PTEU or VYM?
Over the past year PTEU returned +20.28% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), PTEU annualized +4.48% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PTEU or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.2% for PTEU. Worst drawdown: PTEU -35.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both PTEU and VYM?
PTEU and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PTEU and VYM?
PTEU and VYM share 3 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 835 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PTEU or VYM?
PTEU yields 1.76% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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