PCEM vs VTI
Polen Capital Emerging Markets ex-China Growth ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PCEM | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.00% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.34% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 35 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +4.05% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.55% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Polen Capital | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 10, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
PCEM vs VTI Performance
Polen Capital Emerging Markets ex-China Growth ETF (PCEM) is a ETF from Polen Capital and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PCEM returned +20.55% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, PCEM is up 4.05% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PCEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PCEM charges 1.00% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PCEM and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2822 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 VTI?
PCEM has an expense ratio of 1.00% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $97 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PCEM or VTI?
Over the past year PCEM returned +20.55% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PCEM annualized +12.35% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PCEM or VTI?
PCEM has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: PCEM -19.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PCEM and VTI?
PCEM and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PCEM and VTI?
PCEM and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2822 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PCEM or VTI?
PCEM yields 0.34% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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