PWS vs VTI
PWS vs VTI
Pacer WealthShield 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 | PWS | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $24M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.29% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 235 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.24% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.08% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.22% | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.68% | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 11, 2017 | May 24, 2001 |
PWS vs VTI Performance
Pacer WealthShield ETF (PWS) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PWS returned +6.08% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, PWS is up 1.24% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Over three years, PWS compounded at +7.22% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +1.68% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +4.47%. 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 12.5% for PWS. 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 -24.9% for PWS 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PWS charges 0.60% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $3 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PWS currently yields 1.29% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PWS and VTI share 273 holdings out of 2839 unique holdings combined, representing a 30.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PWS | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 3.99% | 6.32% | 2.33% |
| AAPL | 3.83% | 5.84% | 2.01% |
| MSFT | 2.45% | 3.81% | 1.36% |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WELL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PLD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CAT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings PWS 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, PWS or VTI?
PWS has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PWS or VTI?
Over the past year PWS returned +6.08% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), PWS annualized +4.47% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PWS or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.5% for PWS. Worst drawdown: PWS -24.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PWS and VTI?
PWS and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PWS and VTI?
PWS and VTI share 273 common holdings with a 30.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2839 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PWS or VTI?
PWS yields 1.29% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PWS 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.