PCEM vs VOO
Polen Capital Emerging Markets ex-China Growth ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PCEM | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.00% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.34% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 35 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +4.05% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.55% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Polen Capital | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 10, 2024 | Sep 7, 2010 |
PCEM vs VOO Performance
Polen Capital Emerging Markets ex-China Growth ETF (PCEM) is a ETF from Polen Capital and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PCEM returned +20.55% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, PCEM is up 4.05% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PCEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -19.9% for PCEM and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PCEM charges 1.00% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $100 vs $3 annually, a gap of $97 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PCEM currently yields 0.34% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
PCEM and VOO share 0 holdings out of 540 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, PCEM or VOO?
PCEM has an expense ratio of 1.00% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $97 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PCEM or VOO?
Over the past year PCEM returned +20.55% vs +22.62% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PCEM annualized +12.35% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PCEM or VOO?
PCEM has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: PCEM -19.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both PCEM and VOO?
PCEM and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PCEM and VOO?
PCEM and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 540 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PCEM or VOO?
PCEM yields 0.34% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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