PIM vs VTI
PIM vs VTI
Putnam Master Intermediate Income Trust 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 | PIM | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.01% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1,493.58 | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.79% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 775 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -1.24% | +13.92% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.58% | +24.07% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.37% | +20.88% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.34% | +12.47% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Putnam Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 29, 1988 | May 24, 2001 |
PIM vs VTI Performance
Putnam Master Intermediate Income Trust (PIM) is a ETF from Putnam Investments and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PIM returned +1.58% while VTI returned +24.07%. Year to date, PIM is down 1.24% versus a gain of 13.92% for VTI.
Over three years, PIM compounded at +7.37% per year against +20.88% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +2.34% and +12.47% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs -1.47%. 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 10.7% for PIM. 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 -59.0% for PIM 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 0.42. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PIM charges 1.01% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $101 vs $3 annually, a gap of $98 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PIM currently yields 7.79% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PIM and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2786 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, PIM or VTI?
PIM has an expense ratio of 1.01% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $98 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PIM or VTI?
Over the past year PIM returned +1.58% vs +24.07% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), PIM annualized -1.47% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PIM or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.7% for PIM. Worst drawdown: PIM -59.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PIM and VTI?
PIM and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.42, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PIM and VTI?
PIM and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2786 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PIM or VTI?
PIM yields 7.79% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PIM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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