PCS 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

MetricPCSVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.20%0.05%
AUM$618M$156.5B
Dividend Yield4.38%2.60%
Holdings2778,747
YTD Return-0.51%+14.57%
1Y Return+1.60%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)-+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)1.7%15.1%
Max Drawdown-1.7%-39.9%
Fund FamilyPGIM InvestmentsVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionJul 29, 2025Jan 26, 2011

PCS vs VXUS Performance

PGIM Corporate Bond 0-5 Year ETF (PCS) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PCS returned +1.60% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, PCS is down 0.51% 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 1.7% 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 -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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PCS charges 0.20% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $5 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PCS currently yields 4.38% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

PCS and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8045 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, PCS or VXUS?

PCS has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.

Which performed better, PCS or VXUS?

Over the past year PCS returned +1.60% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), PCS annualized +1.66% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PCS or VXUS?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 1.7% for PCS. Worst drawdown: PCS -1.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both PCS and VXUS?

PCS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between PCS and VXUS?

PCS and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8045 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, PCS or VXUS?

PCS yields 4.38% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so PCS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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