PCFI vs VYM
Polen Floating Rate Income ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PCFI | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $8M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.51% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 124 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +0.91% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.82% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Polen Capital | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 24, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
PCFI vs VYM Performance
Polen Floating Rate Income ETF (PCFI) is a ETF from Polen Capital and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PCFI returned -0.82% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, PCFI is up 0.91% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.22. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PCFI charges 0.49% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $4 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PCFI currently yields 9.51% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
PCFI and VYM share 0 holdings out of 579 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 VYM?
PCFI has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PCFI or VYM?
Over the past year PCFI returned -0.82% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), PCFI annualized +1.84% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PCFI or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 4.5% for PCFI. Worst drawdown: PCFI -4.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both PCFI and VYM?
PCFI and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.22, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PCFI and VYM?
PCFI and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 579 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PCFI or VYM?
PCFI yields 9.51% while VYM yields 2.86%, so PCFI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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