GQGU vs. PCLG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

GQGU (GQG US Equity ETF) and PCLG (Polen Focus Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. Both are actively managed. At a correlation of -0.18, they often move in opposite directions. Both charge a 0.49% expense ratio.

Performance

GQGU vs. PCLG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in GQG US Equity ETF (GQGU) and Polen Focus Growth ETF (PCLG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GQGU achieves a 6.60% return, which is significantly higher than PCLG's -6.70% return.

GQGU

• 1D: -1.06%
• 1M: -1.65%
• YTD: 6.60%
• 6M: 7.16%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PCLG

• 1D: -1.68%
• 1M: 2.51%
• YTD: -6.70%
• 6M: -7.08%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

GQGU vs. PCLG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
GQGU GQG US Equity ETF	6.60%	-1.79%
PCLG Polen Focus Growth ETF	-6.70%	-1.09%

Correlation

The correlation between GQGU and PCLG is -0.18, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 1, 2025	-0.18

Return for Risk

GQGU vs. PCLG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for GQG US Equity ETF (GQGU) and Polen Focus Growth ETF (PCLG). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	GQGU	PCLG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.60	-0.64	+1.24

Drawdowns

GQGU vs. PCLG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GQGU drawdown since its inception was -6.65%, smaller than the maximum PCLG drawdown of -23.78%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GQGU and PCLG.

Drawdown Indicators

	GQGU	PCLG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.65%	-23.78%	+17.13%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.66%	-10.80%	+6.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.54%	-9.68%	+7.14%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	GQGU	PCLG	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.14%	17.74%	-7.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.14%	17.74%	-7.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.14%	17.74%	-7.60%

GQGU vs. PCLG - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both GQGU and PCLG have an expense ratio of 0.49%.

Dividends

GQGU vs. PCLG - Dividend Comparison

GQGU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.96%, more than PCLG's 0.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
GQGU GQG US Equity ETF	0.96%	1.02%
PCLG Polen Focus Growth ETF	0.04%	0.03%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GQGU and PCLG in my portfolio?

GQGU and PCLG have a correlation of -0.18, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, GQGU or PCLG?

Both ETFs have the same 0.49% expense ratio. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, GQGU or PCLG?

GQGU and PCLG have the same expense ratio: 0.49% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GQGU or PCLG?

GQGU has the higher dividend yield at 0.96%, compared with 0.04% for PCLG.

What is the main difference between GQGU and PCLG?

They also come from different issuers: GQG Partners and Polen.