PCLG vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

PCLG (Polen Focus Growth ETF) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. PCLG is actively managed, while VUG is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PCLG charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

PCLG vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PCLG achieves a -5.11% return, which is significantly lower than VUG's 10.86% return.

PCLG

• 1D: -1.82%
• 1M: 4.45%
• YTD: -5.11%
• 6M: -5.23%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VUG

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 7.37%
• YTD: 10.86%
• 6M: 10.14%
• 1Y: 30.39%
• 3Y*: 26.46%
• 5Y*: 15.71%
• 10Y*: 18.40%

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

PCLG vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PCLG Polen Focus Growth ETF	-5.11%	-1.09%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	10.86%	1.82%

Correlation

The correlation between PCLG and VUG is 0.81, 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 Oct 1, 2025	0.81

Return for Risk

PCLG vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 49
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 54
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 41

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. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	PCLG	VUG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.93	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.71	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.86	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.51	0.62	-1.14

Drawdowns

PCLG vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PCLG drawdown since its inception was -23.78%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PCLG and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	PCLG	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.78%	-50.68%	+26.90%
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	-9.27%	-0.28%	-8.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.67%	-7.09%	-2.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.71%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PCLG	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	3.52%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	12.05%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.68%	15.80%	+1.88%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.68%	22.22%	-4.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.68%	21.44%	-3.76%

PCLG vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

PCLG has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

PCLG vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

PCLG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.04%, less than VUG's 0.37% 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%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.37%	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 PCLG and VUG in my portfolio?

PCLG and VUG have a correlation of 0.81, 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 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, PCLG or VUG?

VUG is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for PCLG.

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

VUG has the higher dividend yield at 0.37%, compared with 0.04% for PCLG.

What is the main difference between PCLG and VUG?

They also come from different issuers: Polen and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for PCLG and 0.03% for VUG.