PCIG vs VXUS
Polen Capital International 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PCIG | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $26M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.15% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 33 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +1.37% | +14.98% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.31% | +25.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iMGP Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 1, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PCIG vs VXUS Performance
Polen Capital International Growth ETF (PCIG) is a ETF from iMGP Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PCIG returned +0.31% while VXUS returned +25.63%. Year to date, PCIG is up 1.37% versus a gain of 14.98% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 14.5% for PCIG. 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 -23.4% for PCIG 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PCIG charges 0.85% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $5 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PCIG currently yields 0.15% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PCIG and VXUS share 12 holdings out of 7887 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PCIG or VXUS?
PCIG has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PCIG or VXUS?
Over the past year PCIG returned +0.31% vs +25.63% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PCIG annualized -2.75% vs +4.87% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PCIG or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.5% for PCIG. Worst drawdown: PCIG -23.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PCIG and VXUS?
PCIG and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PCIG and VXUS?
PCIG and VXUS share 12 common holdings with a 3.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7887 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PCIG or VXUS?
PCIG yields 0.15% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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