PCL vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPCLVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.25%0.04%
AUM$74M$79.0B
Dividend Yield5.76%2.86%
Holdings168568
YTD Return-5.29%+16.10%
1Y Return-3.75%+25.99%
3Y Return (annualized)-+18.29%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.35%
Volatility (annualized)7.7%14.6%
Max Drawdown-9.0%-58.8%
Fund FamilyPGIM InvestmentsVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionJul 29, 2025Nov 10, 2006

PCL vs VYM Performance

PGIM Corporate Bond 10+ Year ETF (PCL) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PCL returned -3.75% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, PCL is down 5.29% 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 7.7% 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 -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 0.39. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PCL charges 0.25% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $4 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PCL currently yields 5.76% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

PCL and VYM share 0 holdings out of 682 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 VYM?

PCL has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.

Which performed better, PCL or VYM?

Over the past year PCL returned -3.75% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), PCL annualized -3.63% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PCL or VYM?

VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 7.7% for PCL. Worst drawdown: PCL -9.0% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both PCL and VYM?

PCL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.39, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between PCL and VYM?

PCL and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 682 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, PCL or VYM?

PCL yields 5.76% while VYM yields 2.86%, so PCL currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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