NFLT vs PDI
Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Bond ETF vs PIMCO Dynamic Income Fund
Which is better, NFLT or PDI?
Each has led over a different period.
NFLT has a lower expense ratio. NFLT led over 1Y, 5Y and the full window, PDI over 3Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NFLT | PDI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50%Best | 5.12% |
| AUM | $514M | $7.2B |
| Dividend Yield | 5.54% | 17.60% |
| Holdings | 1,105 | 1,822 |
| YTD Return | -0.07%Best | -12.38% |
| 1Y Return | +1.29%Best | -17.65% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.24% | +9.49%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.69%Best | +1.05% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.3%Best | 15.4% |
| Max Drawdown | -18.9%Best | -47.9% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $11,419Best | $10,536 |
| Fund Family | Virtus Investment Partners | PIMCO (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Style | Diversified Sectoral Bond | Diversified Sectoral Bond |
| Inception | Aug 10, 2015 | May 25, 2012 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Aug 11, 2015 to Oct 14, 2026 (11.2 years).
NFLT vs PDI growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 11.2 years both funds cover.
NFLT vs PDI Performance
Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Bond ETF (NFLT) is an ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and PIMCO Dynamic Income Fund (PDI) is an ETF from PIMCO (US). Over the past year NFLT returned +1.29% while PDI returned -17.65%. Year to date, NFLT is down 0.07% versus a loss of 12.38% for PDI.
Over three years, NFLT compounded at +7.24% per year against +9.49% for PDI; over five years the annualized figures are +2.69% and +1.05% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, NFLT has the edge at +1.55% annualized vs +0.40%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PDI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 5.3% for NFLT. 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 -18.9% for NFLT and -47.9% for PDI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NFLT charges 0.50% per year while PDI charges 5.12%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $512 annually, a gap of $462 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NFLT currently yields 5.54% against 17.60% for PDI.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 13 holdings in NFLT and 25 in PDI, totalling 1.3% and 6.4% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
The two holdings books were reported 350 days apart, NFLT as of Sep 15, 2026 and PDI as of Sep 30, 2025, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
0 positions in common, counted across the 13 positions we hold weights for in NFLT and 25 in PDI, against full books of 1,105 and 1,822.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of NFLT and PDI you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NFLT or PDI?
NFLT has an expense ratio of 0.50% while PDI charges 5.12%. NFLT is the cheaper option, by $462 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, NFLT or PDI?
Over the past year NFLT returned +1.29% vs -17.65% for PDI, so NFLT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), NFLT annualized +1.55% vs +0.40% for PDI. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, NFLT or PDI?
PDI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 5.3% for NFLT. Worst drawdown: NFLT -18.9% vs PDI -47.9%.
Should I hold both NFLT and PDI?
NFLT and PDI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, NFLT or PDI?
NFLT yields 5.54% while PDI yields 17.60%, so PDI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is PDI better than NFLT?
NFLT has a lower expense ratio. NFLT led over 1Y, 5Y and the full window, PDI over 3Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.