PULS vs VTI
PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF 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 | PULS | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $18.5B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.23% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 930 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +2.59% | +12.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.35% | +20.47% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.39% | +21.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.30% | +11.84% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 5, 2018 | May 24, 2001 |
PULS vs VTI Performance
PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF (PULS) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PULS returned +4.35% while VTI returned +20.47%. Year to date, PULS is up 2.59% versus a gain of 12.79% for VTI.
Over three years, PULS compounded at +5.39% per year against +21.53% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +4.30% and +11.84% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +2.54%. 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 1.4% for PULS. 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 -6.1% for PULS 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 0.44. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PULS charges 0.15% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $3 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PULS currently yields 5.23% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PULS and VTI share 1 holdings out of 3152 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PULS | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFLX | 0.28% | 0.41% | 0.13% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PULS or VTI?
PULS has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PULS or VTI?
Over the past year PULS returned +4.35% vs +20.47% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), PULS annualized +2.54% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PULS or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 1.4% for PULS. Worst drawdown: PULS -6.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PULS and VTI?
PULS and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.44, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PULS and VTI?
PULS and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3152 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PULS or VTI?
PULS yields 5.23% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PULS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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