PHYL vs VTI
PHYL vs VTI
PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PHYL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.24% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 804 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.71% | +11.83% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.91% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.40% | +20.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.82% | +11.96% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 24, 2018 | May 24, 2001 |
PHYL vs VTI Performance
PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF (PHYL) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PHYL returned +4.91% while VTI returned +21.79%. Year to date, PHYL is up 1.71% versus a gain of 11.83% for VTI.
Over three years, PHYL compounded at +8.40% per year against +20.40% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +3.82% and +11.96% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.06% annualized vs +3.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PHYL charges 0.39% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PHYL or VTI?
PHYL has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PHYL or VTI?
Over the past year PHYL returned +4.91% vs +21.79% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), PHYL annualized +3.02% vs +8.06% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PHYL or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 8.7% for PHYL. Worst drawdown: PHYL -23.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PHYL and VTI?
PHYL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PHYL and VTI?
PHYL and VTI share 2 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3397 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PHYL or VTI?
PHYL yields 8.24% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PHYL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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