PCLG vs. GQGU

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

PCLG (Polen Focus Growth ETF) and GQGU (GQG US Equity ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. Both are actively managed. At a correlation of -0.21, they often move in opposite directions. Both charge a 0.49% expense ratio.

Performance

PCLG vs. GQGU - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PCLG achieves a -10.52% return, which is significantly lower than GQGU's 5.80% return.

PCLG

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 0.75%
• 6M: -11.53%
• YTD: -10.52%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GQGU

• 1D: 0.60%
• 1M: -0.56%
• 6M: 6.22%
• YTD: 5.80%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PCLG vs. GQGU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PCLG Polen Focus Growth ETF	-10.52%	-0.45%
GQGU GQG US Equity ETF	5.80%	-1.05%

Correlation

The correlation between PCLG and GQGU is -0.21, 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 Sep 30, 2025	-0.22

Return for Risk

PCLG vs. GQGU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Polen Focus Growth ETF (PCLG) and GQG US Equity ETF (GQGU). 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.

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

Drawdowns

PCLG vs. GQGU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PCLG drawdown since its inception was -23.78%, which is greater than GQGU's maximum drawdown of -8.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PCLG and GQGU.

Drawdown Indicators

	PCLG	GQGU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.78%	-8.41%	-15.37%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-14.45%	-5.37%	-9.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.31%	-2.87%	-7.44%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PCLG	GQGU	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.81%	10.76%	+7.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.81%	10.76%	+7.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.81%	10.76%	+7.05%

PCLG vs. GQGU - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

PCLG vs. GQGU - Dividend Comparison

PCLG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.04%, less than GQGU's 0.96% 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 PCLG and GQGU in my portfolio?

PCLG and GQGU have a correlation of -0.21, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, PCLG or GQGU?

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, PCLG or GQGU?

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

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

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

What is the main difference between PCLG and GQGU?

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