PCIG vs VYM
PCIG vs VYM
Polen Capital International Growth 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 | PCIG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $26M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.15% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 33 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -0.77% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | -3.22% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iMGP Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 1, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
PCIG vs VYM Performance
Polen Capital International Growth ETF (PCIG) is a ETF from iMGP Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PCIG returned -3.22% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, PCIG is down 0.77% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 14.2% 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 -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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PCIG charges 0.85% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $4 annually, a gap of $81 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PCIG currently yields 0.15% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
PCIG and VYM share 1 holdings out of 587 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PCIG | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MDT:IE | 2.12% | 0.55% | 1.57% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PCIG or VYM?
PCIG has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $81 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PCIG or VYM?
Over the past year PCIG returned -3.22% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PCIG annualized -3.63% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PCIG or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 14.2% for PCIG. Worst drawdown: PCIG -23.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both PCIG and VYM?
PCIG and VYM 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 PCIG and VYM?
PCIG and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 587 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PCIG or VYM?
PCIG yields 0.15% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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