PCS vs VTI
PGIM Corporate Bond 0-5 Year 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 | PCS | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $618M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.38% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 277 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -0.68% | +14.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.43% | +23.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 29, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
PCS vs VTI Performance
PGIM Corporate Bond 0-5 Year ETF (PCS) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PCS returned +1.43% while VTI returned +23.62%. Year to date, PCS is down 0.68% versus a gain of 14.16% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 1.6% for PCS. 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 -1.7% for PCS 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 0.37. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PCS charges 0.20% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $3 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PCS currently yields 4.38% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PCS and VTI share 1 holdings out of 2966 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PCS | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BK | 0.44% | 0.14% | 0.30% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PCS or VTI?
PCS has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PCS or VTI?
Over the past year PCS returned +1.43% vs +23.62% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), PCS annualized +1.48% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PCS or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 1.6% for PCS. Worst drawdown: PCS -1.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PCS and VTI?
PCS and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.37, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PCS and VTI?
PCS and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2966 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PCS or VTI?
PCS yields 4.38% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PCS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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