PXE vs VYM
Invesco Energy Exploration & Production ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. PXE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PXE | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.61% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $81M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.96% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 33 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +36.54% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +43.49% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.15% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +22.22% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 35.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -86.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 26, 2005 | Nov 10, 2006 |
PXE vs VYM Performance
Invesco Energy Exploration & Production ETF (PXE) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PXE returned +43.49% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, PXE is up 36.54% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, PXE compounded at +8.15% per year against +18.29% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +22.22% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.08% annualized vs +4.98%. 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 14.6% for VYM. 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 -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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PXE charges 0.61% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $61 vs $4 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PXE currently yields 1.96% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
PXE and VYM share 22 holdings out of 567 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PXE or VYM?
PXE has an expense ratio of 0.61% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PXE or VYM?
Over the past year PXE returned +43.49% vs +25.99% for VYM, so PXE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), PXE annualized +4.98% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PXE or VYM?
PXE has been the more volatile fund at 35.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: PXE -86.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both PXE and VYM?
PXE and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PXE and VYM?
PXE and VYM share 22 common holdings with a 2.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 567 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PXE or VYM?
PXE yields 1.96% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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