PPT vs VXUS
PPT vs VXUS
Putnam Premier 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 | PPT | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.93% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1,660.6 | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.41% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 766 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +1.48% | +13.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.73% | +28.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.93% | +18.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.46% | +9.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -65.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Putnam Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 29, 1988 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PPT vs VXUS Performance
Putnam Premier Income Trust (PPT) is a ETF from Putnam Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PPT returned +1.73% while VXUS returned +28.53%. Year to date, PPT is up 1.48% versus a gain of 13.65% for VXUS.
Over three years, PPT compounded at +6.93% per year against +18.64% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +2.46% and +9.00% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.81% annualized vs -1.14%. 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 PPT. 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 -65.9% for PPT 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
PPT charges 0.93% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $93 vs $5 annually, a gap of $88 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PPT currently yields 8.41% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PPT and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7864 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, PPT or VXUS?
PPT has an expense ratio of 0.93% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $88 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PPT or VXUS?
Over the past year PPT returned +1.73% vs +28.53% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PPT annualized -1.14% vs +4.81% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PPT or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 11.5% for PPT. Worst drawdown: PPT -65.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PPT and VXUS?
PPT 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 PPT and VXUS?
PPT and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7864 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PPT or VXUS?
PPT yields 8.41% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so PPT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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