PMBS vs VTI
PMBS vs VTI
PIMCO Mortgage-Backed Securities Active Exchange-Traded Fund 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 | PMBS | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.71% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.97% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 1,126 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -0.19% | +11.83% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.33% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +11.96% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
PMBS vs VTI Performance
PIMCO Mortgage-Backed Securities Active Exchange-Traded Fund (PMBS) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PMBS returned +3.33% while VTI returned +21.79%. Year to date, PMBS is down 0.19% versus a gain of 11.83% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 4.4% for PMBS. 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 -3.1% for PMBS 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 0.31. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PMBS charges 0.71% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $71 vs $3 annually, a gap of $68 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PMBS currently yields 4.97% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PMBS and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2926 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, PMBS or VTI?
PMBS has an expense ratio of 0.71% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $68 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PMBS or VTI?
Over the past year PMBS returned +3.33% vs +21.79% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PMBS annualized +4.92% vs +8.06% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PMBS or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 4.4% for PMBS. Worst drawdown: PMBS -3.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PMBS and VTI?
PMBS and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.31, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PMBS and VTI?
PMBS and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2926 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PMBS or VTI?
PMBS yields 4.97% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PMBS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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