PYLD vs VXUS
PYLD vs VXUS
PIMCO Multisector Bond Active Exchange-Traded Fund 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 | PYLD | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.64% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $15.0B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.26% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 1,576 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +0.71% | +11.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.34% | +27.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.75% | +17.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +8.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 21, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PYLD vs VXUS Performance
PIMCO Multisector Bond Active Exchange-Traded Fund (PYLD) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PYLD returned +5.34% while VXUS returned +27.13%. Year to date, PYLD is up 0.71% versus a gain of 11.13% for VXUS.
Over three years, PYLD compounded at +7.75% per year against +17.24% for VXUS. Across the full 3-year window we track, PYLD has the edge at +7.62% annualized vs +4.66%. 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 4.9% for PYLD. 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 -4.5% for PYLD 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PYLD charges 0.64% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $64 vs $5 annually, a gap of $59 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PYLD currently yields 6.26% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PYLD and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8526 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, PYLD or VXUS?
PYLD has an expense ratio of 0.64% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $59 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PYLD or VXUS?
Over the past year PYLD returned +5.34% vs +27.13% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), PYLD annualized +7.62% vs +4.66% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PYLD or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 4.9% for PYLD. Worst drawdown: PYLD -4.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PYLD and VXUS?
PYLD and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PYLD and VXUS?
PYLD and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8526 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PYLD or VXUS?
PYLD yields 6.26% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so PYLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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