PCLG vs. QLC

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PCLG (Polen Focus Growth ETF) and QLC (FlexShares US Quality Large Cap Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - PCLG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Polen, while QLC is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Northern Trust Quality Large Cap Index. PCLG is actively managed, while QLC is passively managed. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PCLG charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for QLC.

Performance

PCLG vs. QLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Polen Focus Growth ETF (PCLG) and FlexShares US Quality Large Cap Index Fund (QLC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PCLG achieves a -6.70% return, which is significantly lower than QLC's 11.39% return.

PCLG

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

QLC

• 1D: -0.74%
• 1M: 5.38%
• YTD: 11.39%
• 6M: 11.88%
• 1Y: 33.09%
• 3Y*: 25.39%
• 5Y*: 15.29%
• 10Y*: 14.83%

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

PCLG vs. QLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PCLG Polen Focus Growth ETF	-6.70%	-1.09%
QLC FlexShares US Quality Large Cap Index Fund	11.39%	4.25%

Correlation

The correlation between PCLG and QLC is 0.75, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 1, 2025	0.75

Return for Risk

PCLG vs. QLC — Risk / Return Rank

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

QLC

QLC Risk / Return Rank: 81
QLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
QLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
QLC Omega Ratio Rank: 80
QLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
QLC Martin Ratio Rank: 85

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.

PCLG vs. QLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Polen Focus Growth ETF (PCLG) and FlexShares US Quality Large Cap Index Fund (QLC). 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

	PCLG	QLC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.69	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.91	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.81	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.64	0.80	-1.44

Drawdowns

PCLG vs. QLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PCLG drawdown since its inception was -23.78%, smaller than the maximum QLC drawdown of -35.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PCLG and QLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	PCLG	QLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.78%	-35.86%	+12.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-8.84%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-18.49%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-23.81%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.86%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.80%	-0.74%	-10.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.68%	-4.54%	-5.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.89%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PCLG	QLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.94%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	9.51%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.74%	12.38%	+5.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.74%	16.82%	+0.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.74%	18.42%	-0.68%

PCLG vs. QLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

PCLG has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than QLC's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

PCLG vs. QLC - Dividend Comparison

PCLG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.04%, less than QLC's 0.88% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PCLG Polen Focus Growth ETF	0.04%	0.03%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QLC FlexShares US Quality Large Cap Index Fund	0.88%	0.94%	1.03%	1.26%	1.46%	0.96%	1.40%	1.91%	1.82%	1.29%	1.80%	0.64%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PCLG and QLC in my portfolio?

PCLG and QLC have a correlation of 0.75, 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 QLC?

On fees, QLC is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, PCLG or QLC?

QLC is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for PCLG.

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

QLC has the higher dividend yield at 0.88%, compared with 0.04% for PCLG.

What is the main difference between PCLG and QLC?

PCLG is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while QLC is Large Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: Polen and Northern Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for PCLG and 0.25% for QLC.