PCS vs VYM
PGIM Corporate Bond 0-5 Year 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 | PCS | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $618M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.38% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 277 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -0.51% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.60% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 29, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
PCS vs VYM Performance
PGIM Corporate Bond 0-5 Year ETF (PCS) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PCS returned +1.60% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, PCS is down 0.51% 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 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 -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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PCS charges 0.20% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $4 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PCS currently yields 4.38% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
PCS and VYM share 1 holdings out of 741 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PCS | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BK | 0.44% | 0.36% | 0.08% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PCS or VYM?
PCS has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PCS or VYM?
Over the past year PCS returned +1.60% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), PCS annualized +1.66% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PCS or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 1.7% for PCS. Worst drawdown: PCS -1.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both PCS and VYM?
PCS and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PCS and VYM?
PCS and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 741 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PCS or VYM?
PCS yields 4.38% while VYM yields 2.86%, so PCS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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