PAB vs VXUS
PAB vs VXUS
PGIM Active Aggregate Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PAB | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.19% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $70M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.30% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 522 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -0.39% | +11.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.04% | +27.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.39% | +17.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.38% | +8.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 12, 2021 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PAB vs VXUS Performance
PGIM Active Aggregate Bond ETF (PAB) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PAB returned +3.04% while VXUS returned +27.13%. Year to date, PAB is down 0.39% versus a gain of 11.13% for VXUS.
Over three years, PAB compounded at +4.39% per year against +17.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -0.38% and +8.71% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.66% annualized vs +0.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 6.5% for PAB. 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 -19.3% for PAB and -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PAB charges 0.19% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $19 vs $5 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PAB currently yields 5.30% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PAB and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8270 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PAB or VXUS?
PAB has an expense ratio of 0.19% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PAB or VXUS?
Over the past year PAB returned +3.04% vs +27.13% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), PAB annualized +0.08% vs +4.66% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PAB or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 6.5% for PAB. Worst drawdown: PAB -19.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PAB and VXUS?
PAB and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PAB and VXUS?
PAB and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8270 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PAB or VXUS?
PAB yields 5.30% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so PAB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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