PCS vs. VCIT

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PCS (PGIM Corporate Bond 0-5 Year ETF) and VCIT (Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF) are both Corporate Bonds funds. PCS is actively managed, while VCIT is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PCS charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VCIT.

Performance

PCS vs. VCIT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM Corporate Bond 0-5 Year ETF (PCS) 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, PCS achieves a 1.16% return, which is significantly higher than VCIT's 0.18% return.

PCS

• 1D: -0.08%
• 1M: 0.24%
• YTD: 1.16%
• 6M: 1.50%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VCIT

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 0.28%
• YTD: 0.18%
• 6M: 0.07%
• 1Y: 6.13%
• 3Y*: 6.00%
• 5Y*: 1.22%
• 10Y*: 2.93%

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

PCS vs. VCIT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PCS PGIM Corporate Bond 0-5 Year ETF	1.16%	2.22%
VCIT Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF	0.18%	2.85%

Correlation

The correlation between PCS and VCIT is 0.89, 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 Aug 4, 2025	0.89

Return for Risk

PCS 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: 42
VCIT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
VCIT Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
VCIT Omega Ratio Rank: 40
VCIT Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
VCIT Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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.

PCS vs. VCIT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM Corporate Bond 0-5 Year ETF (PCS) 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

	PCS	VCIT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.50	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.19	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.47	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.58	0.75	+1.83

Drawdowns

PCS vs. VCIT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PCS drawdown since its inception was -1.12%, smaller than the maximum VCIT drawdown of -20.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PCS and VCIT.

Drawdown Indicators

	PCS	VCIT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.12%	-20.56%	+19.44%
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	-0.13%	-1.36%	+1.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.13%	-3.16%	+3.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.88%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PCS	VCIT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.38%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	3.06%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.59%	4.10%	-2.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.59%	6.61%	-5.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.59%	6.28%	-4.69%

PCS vs. VCIT - Expense Ratio Comparison

PCS has a 0.20% 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

PCS vs. VCIT - Dividend Comparison

PCS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.01%, less than VCIT's 4.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PCS PGIM Corporate Bond 0-5 Year ETF	4.01%	1.92%	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	4.80%	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 PCS and VCIT in my portfolio?

PCS and VCIT have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, PCS 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, PCS or VCIT?

VCIT is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for PCS.

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

VCIT has the higher dividend yield at 4.80%, compared with 4.01% for PCS.

What is the main difference between PCS and VCIT?

They also come from different issuers: PGIM and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for PCS and 0.03% for VCIT.