PFUIX vs. VTIBX

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

PFUIX (PIMCO International Bond Fund (Unhedged)) and VTIBX (Vanguard Total International Bond Index Fund) are both Global Bonds funds. Over the past 10 years, PFUIX returned 0.34%/yr vs 1.49%/yr for VTIBX. At a 0.39 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. PFUIX charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for VTIBX.

Performance

PFUIX vs. VTIBX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PIMCO International Bond Fund (Unhedged) (PFUIX) 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, PFUIX achieves a -2.85% return, which is significantly lower than VTIBX's 0.30% return. Over the past 10 years, PFUIX has underperformed VTIBX with an annualized return of 0.34%, while VTIBX has yielded a comparatively higher 1.49% annualized return.

PFUIX

• 1D: -0.66%
• 1M: -1.65%
• 6M: -2.35%
• YTD: -2.85%
• 1Y: -1.03%
• 3Y*: 2.99%
• 5Y*: -2.34%
• 10Y*: 0.34%

VTIBX

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: -0.40%
• 6M: 0.10%
• YTD: 0.30%
• 1Y: 1.93%
• 3Y*: 4.11%
• 5Y*: 0.12%
• 10Y*: 1.49%

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

PFUIX vs. VTIBX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PFUIX PIMCO International Bond Fund (Unhedged)	-2.85%	10.90%	-1.64%	6.42%	-19.10%	-6.08%	12.32%	7.09%	-3.64%	10.82%
VTIBX Vanguard Total International Bond Index Fund	0.30%	2.98%	3.84%	8.86%	-12.97%	-2.27%	4.56%	7.76%	3.00%	2.31%

Correlation

The correlation between PFUIX and VTIBX is 0.63, 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	0.63
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.57
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.53
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.41
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 4, 2013	0.39

Over the past year, PFUIX and VTIBX have become more correlated (0.63) than their long-term average of 0.39, meaning their price movements have been converging.

Return for Risk

PFUIX vs. VTIBX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PFUIX

PFUIX Risk / Return Rank: 2
PFUIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
PFUIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
PFUIX Omega Ratio Rank: 2
PFUIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
PFUIX Martin Ratio Rank: 2

VTIBX

VTIBX Risk / Return Rank: 10
VTIBX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 11
VTIBX Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
VTIBX Omega Ratio Rank: 10
VTIBX Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
VTIBX Martin Ratio Rank: 9

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.

PFUIX vs. VTIBX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PIMCO International Bond Fund (Unhedged) (PFUIX) 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	PFUIX	VTIBX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.20	0.61	-0.80
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.23	0.88	-1.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.97	1.11	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.22	0.66	-0.88
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.56	1.74	-2.29

PFUIX vs. VTIBX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PFUIX Sharpe Ratio is -0.20, which is lower than the VTIBX Sharpe Ratio of 0.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PFUIX 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.

Drawdowns

PFUIX vs. VTIBX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PFUIX drawdown since its inception was -31.90%, which is greater than VTIBX's maximum drawdown of -16.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PFUIX and VTIBX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PFUIX	VTIBX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.90%	-16.15%	-15.75%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.40%	-2.95%	-3.45%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-7.69%	-2.95%	-4.74%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.65%	-15.81%	-13.84%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.90%	-16.15%	-15.75%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-14.95%	-1.55%	-13.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.01%	-3.06%	-4.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.55%	1.11%	+1.44%

Volatility

PFUIX vs. VTIBX - Volatility Comparison

PIMCO International Bond Fund (Unhedged) (PFUIX) has a higher volatility of 1.69% compared to Vanguard Total International Bond Index Fund (VTIBX) at 0.97%. This indicates that PFUIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VTIBX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PFUIX	VTIBX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.69%	0.97%	+0.72%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.95%	2.75%	+3.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.28%	3.21%	+4.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.70%	4.51%	+3.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.36%	3.66%	+3.70%

PFUIX vs. VTIBX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PFUIX has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than VTIBX's 0.13% expense ratio.

Dividends

PFUIX vs. VTIBX - Dividend Comparison

PFUIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.07%, less than VTIBX's 4.47% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PFUIX PIMCO International Bond Fund (Unhedged)	4.07%	3.98%	4.10%	2.98%	2.83%	5.07%	1.57%	2.28%	4.39%	1.41%	1.98%	1.94%
VTIBX Vanguard Total International Bond Index Fund	4.47%	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 PFUIX and VTIBX in my portfolio?

PFUIX and VTIBX have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PFUIX or VTIBX?

PFUIX has higher volatility (1.69%) compared to VTIBX (0.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PFUIX dropped -31.90% vs VTIBX's -16.15%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTIBX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.61 vs -0.20), 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.