PIM vs VXUS
PIM vs VXUS
Putnam Master Intermediate Income Trust 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 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PIM | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.01% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1,493.58 | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.79% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 775 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -1.56% | +11.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.56% | +27.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.58% | +17.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.18% | +8.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Putnam Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 29, 1988 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PIM vs VXUS Performance
Putnam Master Intermediate Income Trust (PIM) is a ETF from Putnam Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PIM returned +1.56% while VXUS returned +27.13%. Year to date, PIM is down 1.56% versus a gain of 11.13% for VXUS.
Over three years, PIM compounded at +7.58% per year against +17.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +2.18% and +8.71% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.66% annualized vs -1.48%. 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 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 -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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PIM charges 1.01% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $101 vs $5 annually, a gap of $96 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PIM currently yields 7.79% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PIM and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7863 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 VXUS?
PIM has an expense ratio of 1.01% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $96 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PIM or VXUS?
Over the past year PIM returned +1.56% vs +27.13% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PIM annualized -1.48% vs +4.66% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PIM or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 10.7% for PIM. Worst drawdown: PIM -59.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PIM and VXUS?
PIM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PIM and VXUS?
PIM and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7863 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PIM or VXUS?
PIM yields 7.79% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so PIM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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