PSF vs VTI
PSF vs VTI
Cohen & Steers Select Preferred and Income Fund Inc. 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 | PSF | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.59% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2,687.94 | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.91% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 332 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +0.36% | +13.92% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.27% | +24.07% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.30% | +20.88% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.74% | +12.47% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -55.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Cohen & Steers Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 24, 2010 | May 24, 2001 |
PSF vs VTI Performance
Cohen & Steers Select Preferred and Income Fund Inc. (PSF) is a ETF from Cohen & Steers Funds and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PSF returned +2.27% while VTI returned +24.07%. Year to date, PSF is up 0.36% versus a gain of 13.92% for VTI.
Over three years, PSF compounded at +9.30% per year against +20.88% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -1.74% and +12.47% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +1.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PSF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -55.4% for PSF 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PSF charges 1.59% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $159 vs $3 annually, a gap of $156 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PSF currently yields 6.91% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PSF and VTI share 6 holdings out of 2964 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PSF | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| FITB | 0.82% | 0.07% | 0.75% |
| NEE | 0.57% | 0.25% | 0.32% |
| MTB | 0.76% | 0.05% | 0.71% |
| C | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FHN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ACGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 6 holdings PSF 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, PSF or VTI?
PSF has an expense ratio of 1.59% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $156 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PSF or VTI?
Over the past year PSF returned +2.27% vs +24.07% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PSF annualized +1.20% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PSF or VTI?
PSF has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: PSF -55.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PSF and VTI?
PSF and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PSF and VTI?
PSF and VTI share 6 common holdings with a 0.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2964 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PSF or VTI?
PSF yields 6.91% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PSF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.