PIFI vs. VTG

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PIFI (ClearShares Piton Intermediate Fixed Income ETF) and VTG (Vanguard Total Treasury ETF) are both Intermediate Core Bond funds. PIFI is actively managed, while VTG is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PIFI charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VTG.

Performance

PIFI vs. VTG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ClearShares Piton Intermediate Fixed Income ETF (PIFI) and Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PIFI achieves a -0.09% return, which is significantly lower than VTG's 0.11% return.

PIFI

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 0.21%
• YTD: -0.09%
• 6M: 0.07%
• 1Y: 2.85%
• 3Y*: 3.83%
• 5Y*: 1.06%
• 10Y*: —

VTG

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 0.64%
• YTD: 0.11%
• 6M: 0.26%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PIFI vs. VTG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PIFI ClearShares Piton Intermediate Fixed Income ETF	-0.09%	3.02%
VTG Vanguard Total Treasury ETF	0.11%	3.07%

Correlation

The correlation between PIFI and VTG is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 9, 2025	0.94

Return for Risk

PIFI vs. VTG — Risk / Return Rank

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

PIFI

PIFI Risk / Return Rank: 31
PIFI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
PIFI Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
PIFI Omega Ratio Rank: 30
PIFI Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
PIFI Martin Ratio Rank: 29

VTG

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

PIFI vs. VTG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ClearShares Piton Intermediate Fixed Income ETF (PIFI) and Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG). 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.

	PIFI	VTG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.10	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.65	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.48	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.91	—	—

Drawdowns

PIFI vs. VTG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PIFI drawdown since its inception was -10.59%, which is greater than VTG's maximum drawdown of -2.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PIFI and VTG.

Drawdown Indicators

	PIFI	VTG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.59%	-2.89%	-7.70%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.93%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-2.75%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-10.41%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.40%	-1.68%	+0.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.21%	-0.79%	-2.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.73%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PIFI	VTG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.83%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.93%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.62%	3.52%	-0.90%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.68%	3.52%	+0.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.48%	3.52%	-0.04%

PIFI vs. VTG - Expense Ratio Comparison

PIFI has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than VTG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

PIFI vs. VTG - Dividend Comparison

PIFI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.75%, more than VTG's 3.20% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
PIFI ClearShares Piton Intermediate Fixed Income ETF	3.75%	3.16%	2.92%	2.29%	1.22%	0.25%
VTG Vanguard Total Treasury ETF	3.20%	1.65%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PIFI and VTG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, PIFI and VTG move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, PIFI or VTG?

On fees, VTG is cheaper at 0.03% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, PIFI or VTG?

VTG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for PIFI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PIFI or VTG?

PIFI has the higher dividend yield at 3.75%, compared with 3.20% for VTG.

What is the main difference between PIFI and VTG?

They also come from different issuers: ClearShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for PIFI and 0.03% for VTG.