PCI vs. VCIT

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

PCI (PGIM Corporate Bond 5-10 Year ETF) and VCIT (Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF) are both Corporate Bonds funds. PCI is actively managed, while VCIT is passively managed. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. PCI charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VCIT.

Performance

PCI vs. VCIT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM Corporate Bond 5-10 Year ETF (PCI) and Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PCI achieves a 0.25% return, which is significantly higher than VCIT's -0.25% return.

PCI

• 1D: -0.57%
• 1M: -0.79%
• YTD: 0.25%
• 6M: 0.35%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VCIT

• 1D: -0.56%
• 1M: -0.75%
• YTD: -0.25%
• 6M: -0.07%
• 1Y: 5.51%
• 3Y*: 5.87%
• 5Y*: 1.13%
• 10Y*: 2.89%

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

PCI vs. VCIT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PCI PGIM Corporate Bond 5-10 Year ETF	0.25%	2.96%
VCIT Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF	-0.25%	2.85%

Correlation

The correlation between PCI and VCIT is 0.99 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 4, 2025	0.99

Return for Risk

PCI vs. VCIT — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

VCIT

VCIT Risk / Return Rank: 39
VCIT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
VCIT Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
VCIT Omega Ratio Rank: 37
VCIT Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
VCIT Martin Ratio Rank: 40

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

PCI vs. VCIT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM Corporate Bond 5-10 Year ETF (PCI) and Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT). 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

	PCI	VCIT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.35	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.17	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.46	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.92	0.75	+0.17

Drawdowns

PCI vs. VCIT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PCI drawdown since its inception was -3.04%, smaller than the maximum VCIT drawdown of -20.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PCI and VCIT.

Drawdown Indicators

	PCI	VCIT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.04%	-20.56%	+17.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-2.96%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-6.11%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-20.56%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-20.56%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.40%	-1.78%	+0.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.58%	-3.16%	+2.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.89%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PCI	VCIT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.42%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	3.10%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.17%	4.11%	+0.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.17%	6.61%	-2.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.17%	6.28%	-2.11%

PCI vs. VCIT - Expense Ratio Comparison

PCI has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than VCIT's 0.03% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

PCI vs. VCIT - Dividend Comparison

PCI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.60%, less than VCIT's 4.82% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PCI PGIM Corporate Bond 5-10 Year ETF	4.60%	2.18%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VCIT Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF	4.82%	4.62%	4.43%	3.72%	3.03%	2.87%	2.78%	3.37%	3.61%	3.21%	3.29%	3.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PCI and VCIT in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, PCI and VCIT move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, PCI or VCIT?

On fees, VCIT is cheaper at 0.03% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, PCI or VCIT?

VCIT is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for PCI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PCI or VCIT?

VCIT has the higher dividend yield at 4.82%, compared with 4.60% for PCI.

What is the main difference between PCI and VCIT?

They also come from different issuers: PGIM and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for PCI and 0.03% for VCIT.