PCL vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPCLVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.25%0.05%
AUM$74M$156.5B
Dividend Yield5.76%2.60%
Holdings1688,747
YTD Return-4.54%+14.57%
1Y Return-3.14%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)-+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)7.8%15.1%
Max Drawdown-9.0%-39.9%
Fund FamilyPGIM InvestmentsVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionJul 29, 2025Jan 26, 2011

PCL vs VXUS Performance

PGIM Corporate Bond 10+ Year ETF (PCL) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PCL returned -3.14% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, PCL is down 4.54% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 7.8% for PCL. 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 -9.0% for PCL 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PCL charges 0.25% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $5 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PCL currently yields 5.76% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

PCL and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7985 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, PCL or VXUS?

PCL has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.

Which performed better, PCL or VXUS?

Over the past year PCL returned -3.14% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), PCL annualized -2.91% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PCL or VXUS?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 7.8% for PCL. Worst drawdown: PCL -9.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both PCL and VXUS?

PCL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between PCL and VXUS?

PCL and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7985 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, PCL or VXUS?

PCL yields 5.76% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so PCL currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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