PHYL vs VOO
PHYL vs VOO
PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. PHYL offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PHYL | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.24% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 804 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +2.05% | +13.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.26% | +23.65% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.47% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.90% | +13.52% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.7% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.5% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 24, 2018 | Sep 7, 2010 |
PHYL vs VOO Performance
PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF (PHYL) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PHYL returned +5.26% while VOO returned +23.65%. Year to date, PHYL is up 2.05% versus a gain of 13.53% for VOO.
Over three years, PHYL compounded at +8.47% per year against +21.27% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +3.90% and +13.52% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +3.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 8.7% for PHYL. 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 -23.5% for PHYL and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PHYL charges 0.39% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $3 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PHYL currently yields 8.24% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
PHYL and VOO share 1 holdings out of 1120 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PHYL | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXE | 0.03% | 0.03% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PHYL or VOO?
PHYL has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PHYL or VOO?
Over the past year PHYL returned +5.26% vs +23.65% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), PHYL annualized +3.06% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PHYL or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 8.7% for PHYL. Worst drawdown: PHYL -23.5% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both PHYL and VOO?
PHYL and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PHYL and VOO?
PHYL and VOO share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1120 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PHYL or VOO?
PHYL yields 8.24% while VOO yields 1.09%, so PHYL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.