PFOAX vs. VTIBX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

PFOAX (PIMCO International Bond Fund (U.S. Dollar-Hedged) Class A) and VTIBX (Vanguard Total International Bond Index Fund) are both Global Bonds funds. Over the past 10 years, PFOAX returned 2.47%/yr vs 1.69%/yr for VTIBX. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PFOAX charges 0.97%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for VTIBX.

Performance

PFOAX vs. VTIBX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PIMCO International Bond Fund (U.S. Dollar-Hedged) Class A (PFOAX) and Vanguard Total International Bond Index Fund (VTIBX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PFOAX achieves a -0.35% return, which is significantly lower than VTIBX's 0.50% return. Over the past 10 years, PFOAX has outperformed VTIBX with an annualized return of 2.47%, while VTIBX has yielded a comparatively lower 1.69% annualized return.

PFOAX

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: 0.72%
• YTD: -0.35%
• 6M: -0.25%
• 1Y: 2.27%
• 3Y*: 4.85%
• 5Y*: 1.10%
• 10Y*: 2.47%

VTIBX

• 1D: -0.18%
• 1M: 0.65%
• YTD: 0.50%
• 6M: 0.54%
• 1Y: 2.13%
• 3Y*: 4.09%
• 5Y*: 0.39%
• 10Y*: 1.69%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

PFOAX vs. VTIBX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PFOAX PIMCO International Bond Fund (U.S. Dollar-Hedged) Class A	-0.35%	3.91%	5.29%	9.07%	-10.60%	-2.06%	5.75%	7.21%	2.24%	3.11%
VTIBX Vanguard Total International Bond Index Fund	0.50%	2.98%	3.84%	8.86%	-12.97%	-2.27%	4.56%	7.76%	3.00%	2.31%

Correlation

The correlation between PFOAX and VTIBX is 0.77, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.77
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.72
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 5, 2013	0.68

The correlation between PFOAX and VTIBX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.68 to 0.77 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PFOAX vs. VTIBX — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

PFOAX

PFOAX Risk / Return Rank: 8
PFOAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
PFOAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
PFOAX Omega Ratio Rank: 8
PFOAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
PFOAX Martin Ratio Rank: 8

VTIBX

VTIBX Risk / Return Rank: 7
VTIBX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
VTIBX Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
VTIBX Omega Ratio Rank: 7
VTIBX Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
VTIBX Martin Ratio Rank: 7

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

PFOAX vs. VTIBX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PIMCO International Bond Fund (U.S. Dollar-Hedged) Class A (PFOAX) and Vanguard Total International Bond Index Fund (VTIBX). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	PFOAX	VTIBX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.64	0.65	-0.01
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	0.96	0.94	+0.02
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.13	1.12	+0.01
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.73	0.72	+0.01
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	2.23	2.04	+0.19
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PFOAX vs. VTIBX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PFOAX Sharpe Ratio is 0.64, which is comparable to the VTIBX Sharpe Ratio of 0.65. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PFOAX and VTIBX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	PFOAX	VTIBX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.64	0.65	-0.01
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.31	0.09	+0.22
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.79	0.46	+0.33
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.93	0.70	+0.23

Drawdowns

PFOAX vs. VTIBX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PFOAX drawdown since its inception was -14.73%, smaller than the maximum VTIBX drawdown of -16.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PFOAX and VTIBX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PFOAX	VTIBX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.73%	-16.15%	+1.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.99%	-2.95%	-1.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-3.99%	-2.95%	-1.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-14.03%	-15.81%	+1.78%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-14.38%	-16.15%	+1.77%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.77%	-1.36%	-0.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.51%	-3.07%	+0.56%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.31%	1.05%	+0.26%

Volatility

PFOAX vs. VTIBX - Volatility Comparison

PIMCO International Bond Fund (U.S. Dollar-Hedged) Class A (PFOAX) and Vanguard Total International Bond Index Fund (VTIBX) have volatilities of 1.43% and 1.42%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PFOAX	VTIBX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.43%	1.42%	+0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.34%	2.63%	+0.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.74%	3.13%	+0.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.58%	4.49%	-0.91%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.13%	3.66%	-0.53%

PFOAX vs. VTIBX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PFOAX has a 0.97% expense ratio, which is higher than VTIBX's 0.13% expense ratio.

Dividends

PFOAX vs. VTIBX - Dividend Comparison

PFOAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.71%, less than VTIBX's 4.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PFOAX PIMCO International Bond Fund (U.S. Dollar-Hedged) Class A	3.71%	3.83%	4.52%	2.62%	3.33%	1.14%	2.07%	6.45%	2.51%	1.06%	0.98%	8.57%
VTIBX Vanguard Total International Bond Index Fund	4.43%	4.33%	4.31%	4.37%	1.41%	3.68%	1.06%	3.36%	2.98%	2.21%	1.76%	1.61%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PFOAX and VTIBX in my portfolio?

PFOAX and VTIBX have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PFOAX or VTIBX?

PFOAX has higher volatility (1.43%) compared to VTIBX (1.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PFOAX dropped -14.73% vs VTIBX's -16.15%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTIBX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.65 vs 0.64), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.