PXE vs VTI
Invesco Energy Exploration & Production ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. PXE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PXE | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.61% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $81M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.96% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 33 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +38.46% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +45.50% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.97% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +22.46% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 35.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -86.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 26, 2005 | May 24, 2001 |
PXE vs VTI Performance
Invesco Energy Exploration & Production ETF (PXE) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PXE returned +45.50% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, PXE is up 38.46% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, PXE compounded at +8.97% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +22.46% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 21-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +5.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PXE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 35.8% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -86.3% for PXE 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PXE charges 0.61% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $61 vs $3 annually, a gap of $58 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PXE currently yields 1.96% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PXE and VTI share 22 holdings out of 2792 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PXE or VTI?
PXE has an expense ratio of 0.61% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $58 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PXE or VTI?
Over the past year PXE returned +45.50% vs +23.31% for VTI, so PXE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (21 years), PXE annualized +5.05% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PXE or VTI?
PXE has been the more volatile fund at 35.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: PXE -86.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PXE and VTI?
PXE and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PXE and VTI?
PXE and VTI share 22 common holdings with a 0.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2792 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PXE or VTI?
PXE yields 1.96% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PXE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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