PCFI vs VTI
Polen Floating Rate Income ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PCFI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $8M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.51% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 124 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.32% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | -1.18% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Polen Capital | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 24, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
PCFI vs VTI Performance
Polen Floating Rate Income ETF (PCFI) is a ETF from Polen Capital and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PCFI returned -1.18% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, PCFI is up 1.32% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 4.5% for PCFI. 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 -4.0% for PCFI 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PCFI charges 0.49% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $3 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PCFI currently yields 9.51% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PCFI and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2804 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, PCFI or VTI?
PCFI has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PCFI or VTI?
Over the past year PCFI returned -1.18% vs +22.19% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), PCFI annualized +2.13% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PCFI or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 4.5% for PCFI. Worst drawdown: PCFI -4.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PCFI and VTI?
PCFI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PCFI and VTI?
PCFI and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2804 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PCFI or VTI?
PCFI yields 9.51% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PCFI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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