PGRO vs VYM
PGRO vs VYM
Putnam Focused Large Cap Growth ETF 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 | PGRO | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $202M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.02% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 38 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +6.76% | +15.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.50% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.15% | +18.02% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.30% | +12.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Putnam Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 25, 2021 | Nov 10, 2006 |
PGRO vs VYM Performance
Putnam Focused Large Cap Growth ETF (PGRO) is a ETF from Putnam Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PGRO returned +12.50% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, PGRO is up 6.76% versus a gain of 15.57% for VYM.
Over three years, PGRO compounded at +22.15% per year against +18.02% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.30% and +12.71% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, PGRO has the edge at +13.21% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PGRO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.8% 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 -34.7% for PGRO 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PGRO charges 0.50% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $4 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PGRO currently yields 0.02% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
PGRO and VYM share 5 holdings out of 586 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PGRO | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVGO | 7.40% | 6.47% | 0.93% |
| ABBV | 1.52% | 1.80% | 0.28% |
| CAT | 1.25% | 1.51% | 0.26% |
| PR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SBUX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 5 holdings PGRO shares with VYM Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PGRO or VYM?
PGRO has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PGRO or VYM?
Over the past year PGRO returned +12.50% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), PGRO annualized +13.21% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PGRO or VYM?
PGRO has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: PGRO -34.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both PGRO and VYM?
PGRO and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PGRO and VYM?
PGRO and VYM share 5 common holdings with a 9.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 586 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PGRO or VYM?
PGRO yields 0.02% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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