PSET vs VTI
PSET vs VTI
Principal Quality ETF 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 | PSET | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $28M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.63% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 73 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +7.34% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.43% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.38% | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.92% | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Principal Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 21, 2016 | May 24, 2001 |
PSET vs VTI Performance
Principal Quality ETF (PSET) is a ETF from Principal Funds and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PSET returned +10.43% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, PSET is up 7.34% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Over three years, PSET compounded at +13.38% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.92% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, PSET has the edge at +12.60% annualized vs +8.14%. 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 15.1% for PSET. 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 -34.8% for PSET 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PSET charges 0.15% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $3 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PSET currently yields 0.63% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PSET and VTI share 66 holdings out of 2790 unique holdings combined, representing a 30.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PSET | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 6.19% | 6.32% | 0.13% |
| AAPL | 6.28% | 5.84% | 0.44% |
| MSFT | 3.38% | 3.81% | 0.43% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| V | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMAT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PANW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings PSET shares with VTI Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PSET or VTI?
PSET has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PSET or VTI?
Over the past year PSET returned +10.43% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), PSET annualized +12.60% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PSET or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.1% for PSET. Worst drawdown: PSET -34.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PSET and VTI?
PSET and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between PSET and VTI?
PSET and VTI share 66 common holdings with a 30.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2790 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PSET or VTI?
PSET yields 0.63% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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