PHYD vs VXUS
PHYD vs VXUS
Putnam ESG High Yield 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PHYD | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $8M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.98% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 323 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +2.34% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.64% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.71% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 19, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PHYD vs VXUS Performance
Putnam ESG High Yield ETF (PHYD) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PHYD returned +7.64% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, PHYD is up 2.34% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, PHYD compounded at +8.71% per year against +19.27% for VXUS. Across the full 3-year window we track, PHYD has the edge at +7.86% annualized vs +4.86%. 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 4.5% for PHYD. 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 -4.3% for PHYD 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PHYD charges 0.55% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $5 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PHYD currently yields 8.98% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PHYD and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8127 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, PHYD or VXUS?
PHYD has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PHYD or VXUS?
Over the past year PHYD returned +7.64% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), PHYD annualized +7.86% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PHYD or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 4.5% for PHYD. Worst drawdown: PHYD -4.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PHYD and VXUS?
PHYD and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PHYD and VXUS?
PHYD and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8127 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PHYD or VXUS?
PHYD yields 8.98% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so PHYD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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