PCEM vs VXUS
Polen Capital Emerging Markets ex-China Growth ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PCEM | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.00% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $3M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.34% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 35 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +4.05% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.55% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Polen Capital | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 10, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PCEM vs VXUS Performance
Polen Capital Emerging Markets ex-China Growth ETF (PCEM) is a ETF from Polen Capital and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PCEM returned +20.55% while VXUS returned +27.38%. Year to date, PCEM is up 4.05% versus a gain of 14.19% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PCEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PCEM charges 1.00% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $100 vs $5 annually, a gap of $95 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PCEM currently yields 0.34% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PCEM and VXUS share 19 holdings out of 7877 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PCEM or VXUS?
PCEM has an expense ratio of 1.00% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $95 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PCEM or VXUS?
Over the past year PCEM returned +20.55% vs +27.38% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PCEM annualized +12.35% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PCEM or VXUS?
PCEM has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: PCEM -19.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PCEM and VXUS?
PCEM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PCEM and VXUS?
PCEM and VXUS share 19 common holdings with a 3.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7877 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PCEM or VXUS?
PCEM yields 0.34% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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