PCLC vs. VUG

Last updated Jul 4, 2026

PCLC (Polen 5Perspectives Large Growth ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. PCLC is actively managed, while VUG is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PCLC charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

PCLC vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Polen 5Perspectives Large Growth ETF (PCLC) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

PCLC

• 1D: -1.83%
• 1M: -4.00%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VUG

• 1D: -0.78%
• 1M: -3.75%
• 6M: 5.75%
• YTD: 5.39%
• 1Y: 16.57%
• 3Y*: 22.55%
• 5Y*: 12.66%
• 10Y*: 17.86%

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

PCLC vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
PCLC Polen 5Perspectives Large Growth ETF	1.08%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	-2.10%

Correlation

The correlation between PCLC and VUG is 0.92, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 18, 2026	0.92

Return for Risk

PCLC vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

PCLC

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

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 30
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 32
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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.

PCLC vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Polen 5Perspectives Large Growth ETF (PCLC) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	PCLC	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.05	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.51	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.19	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	1.08	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	3.60	—

Drawdowns

PCLC vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PCLC drawdown since its inception was -9.52%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PCLC and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	PCLC	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.52%	-50.68%	+41.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-16.53%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-22.85%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.61%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.56%	-5.20%	-0.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.13%	-7.09%	+3.96%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.96%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PCLC	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	7.37%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	13.70%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	32.27%	17.05%	+15.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	32.27%	22.42%	+9.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	32.27%	21.50%	+10.77%

PCLC vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

PCLC has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

PCLC vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

PCLC has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VUG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.40%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PCLC Polen 5Perspectives Large Growth ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.40%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PCLC and VUG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, PCLC and VUG 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, PCLC or VUG?

On fees, VUG 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, PCLC or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for PCLC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PCLC or VUG?

VUG has the higher dividend yield at 0.40%, compared with 0.00% for PCLC.

What is the main difference between PCLC and VUG?

They also come from different issuers: Polen and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for PCLC and 0.03% for VUG.