PY vs VTI
Principal Value 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 | PY | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $243M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.90% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 100 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +12.26% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.10% | +20.29% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.32% | +21.42% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.96% | +12.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Principal Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 21, 2016 | May 24, 2001 |
PY vs VTI Performance
Principal Value ETF (PY) is a ETF from Principal Funds and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PY returned +14.10% while VTI returned +20.29%. Year to date, PY is up 12.26% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, PY compounded at +15.32% per year against +21.42% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.96% and +12.00% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, PY has the edge at +9.96% annualized vs +8.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.3% 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 -45.5% for PY 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PY 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, PY currently yields 1.90% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PY and VTI share 90 holdings out of 2796 unique holdings combined, representing a 25.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PY or VTI?
PY 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, PY or VTI?
Over the past year PY returned +14.10% vs +20.29% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), PY annualized +9.96% vs +8.08% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PY or VTI?
PY has been the more volatile fund at 19.3% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: PY -45.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PY and VTI?
PY and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PY and VTI?
PY and VTI share 90 common holdings with a 25.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2796 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PY or VTI?
PY yields 1.90% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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