PCHI vs VTI
Polen High 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 | PCHI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $22M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.98% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 136 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.69% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.58% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Polen Capital | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 25, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
PCHI vs VTI Performance
Polen High Income ETF (PCHI) is a ETF from Polen Capital and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PCHI returned +3.58% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, PCHI is up 1.69% 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 3.3% for PCHI. 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 -6.4% for PCHI 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PCHI charges 0.56% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $3 annually, a gap of $53 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PCHI currently yields 7.98% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PCHI and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2885 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, PCHI or VTI?
PCHI has an expense ratio of 0.56% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $53 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PCHI or VTI?
Over the past year PCHI returned +3.58% vs +22.19% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), PCHI annualized +4.83% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PCHI or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 3.3% for PCHI. Worst drawdown: PCHI -6.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PCHI and VTI?
PCHI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PCHI and VTI?
PCHI and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2885 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PCHI or VTI?
PCHI yields 7.98% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PCHI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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