PAI vs VYM
PAI vs VYM
Western Asset Investment Grade Income Fund Inc. vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PAI | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.73% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $123M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.81% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 476 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -1.82% | +15.57% | |
| 1Y Return | -2.63% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.27% | +18.02% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.06% | +12.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -49.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 22, 1973 | Nov 10, 2006 |
PAI vs VYM Performance
Western Asset Investment Grade Income Fund Inc. (PAI) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PAI returned -2.63% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, PAI is down 1.82% versus a gain of 15.57% for VYM.
Over three years, PAI compounded at +6.27% per year against +18.02% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -1.06% and +12.71% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +0.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 12.6% for PAI. 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 -49.6% for PAI 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 0.39. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PAI charges 0.73% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $73 vs $4 annually, a gap of $69 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PAI currently yields 4.81% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
PAI and VYM share 1 holdings out of 878 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PAI | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0.21% | 0.81% | 0.60% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PAI or VYM?
PAI has an expense ratio of 0.73% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $69 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PAI or VYM?
Over the past year PAI returned -2.63% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), PAI annualized +0.09% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PAI or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 12.6% for PAI. Worst drawdown: PAI -49.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both PAI and VYM?
PAI and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.39, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PAI and VYM?
PAI and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 878 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PAI or VYM?
PAI yields 4.81% while VYM yields 2.86%, so PAI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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