PTRB vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPTRBVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.49%0.03%
AUM$1.1B$663.5B
Dividend Yield5.51%1.07%
Holdings1,4783,543
YTD Return-0.40%+10.14%
1Y Return+3.10%+19.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+4.68%+18.94%
5Y Return (annualized)-+11.79%
Volatility (annualized)7.2%15.4%
Max Drawdown-19.2%-56.6%
Fund FamilyPGIM InvestmentsVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionDec 2, 2021May 24, 2001

PTRB vs VTI Performance

PGIM Total Return Bond ETF (PTRB) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PTRB returned +3.10% while VTI returned +19.82%. Year to date, PTRB is down 0.40% versus a gain of 10.14% for VTI.

Over three years, PTRB compounded at +4.68% per year against +18.94% for VTI. Across the full 5-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +7.99% annualized vs +0.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 7.2% for PTRB. 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 -19.2% for PTRB 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PTRB charges 0.49% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $3 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PTRB currently yields 5.51% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

PTRB and VTI share 1 holdings out of 3506 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in PTRBWeight in VTIDifference
GS0.01%0.39%0.38%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, PTRB or VTI?

PTRB has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.

Which performed better, PTRB or VTI?

Over the past year PTRB returned +3.10% vs +19.82% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), PTRB annualized +0.07% vs +7.99% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PTRB or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 7.2% for PTRB. Worst drawdown: PTRB -19.2% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both PTRB and VTI?

PTRB and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between PTRB and VTI?

PTRB and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3506 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, PTRB or VTI?

PTRB yields 5.51% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PTRB currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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