PMO vs VXUS
PMO vs VXUS
Putnam Municipal Opportunities 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PMO | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.02% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $4,829 | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.04% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 288 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +0.30% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.75% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.92% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.95% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -50.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Putnam Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | May 28, 1993 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PMO vs VXUS Performance
Putnam Municipal Opportunities Trust (PMO) is a ETF from Putnam Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PMO returned +10.75% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, PMO is up 0.30% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, PMO compounded at +5.92% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -1.95% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -0.05%. 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 11.5% for PMO. 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 -50.4% for PMO 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PMO charges 1.02% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $102 vs $5 annually, a gap of $97 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PMO currently yields 4.04% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PMO and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7971 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, PMO or VXUS?
PMO has an expense ratio of 1.02% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $97 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PMO or VXUS?
Over the past year PMO returned +10.75% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PMO annualized -0.05% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PMO or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 11.5% for PMO. Worst drawdown: PMO -50.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PMO and VXUS?
PMO and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PMO and VXUS?
PMO and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7971 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PMO or VXUS?
PMO yields 4.04% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so PMO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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