PCS vs. VTC

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

PCS (PGIM Corporate Bond 0-5 Year ETF) and VTC (Vanguard Total Corporate Bond ETF) are both Corporate Bonds funds. PCS is actively managed, while VTC is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PCS charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VTC.

Performance

PCS vs. VTC - 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 Total Corporate Bond ETF (VTC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PCS achieves a 1.25% return, which is significantly higher than VTC's 0.78% return.

PCS

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 0.24%
• YTD: 1.25%
• 6M: 1.66%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VTC

• 1D: 0.18%
• 1M: 0.51%
• YTD: 0.78%
• 6M: 0.66%
• 1Y: 5.55%
• 3Y*: 5.35%
• 5Y*: 0.55%
• 10Y*: —

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

PCS vs. VTC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PCS PGIM Corporate Bond 0-5 Year ETF	1.25%	2.22%
VTC Vanguard Total Corporate Bond ETF	0.78%	2.43%

Correlation

The correlation between PCS and VTC is 0.85, 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	0.85

Return for Risk

PCS vs. VTC — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTC

VTC Risk / Return Rank: 38
VTC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
VTC Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
VTC Omega Ratio Rank: 34
VTC Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
VTC Martin Ratio Rank: 40

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. VTC - 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 Total Corporate Bond ETF (VTC). 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	VTC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.29	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.08	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.64	0.32	+2.32

Drawdowns

PCS vs. VTC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PCS drawdown since its inception was -1.12%, smaller than the maximum VTC drawdown of -22.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PCS and VTC.

Drawdown Indicators

	PCS	VTC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.12%	-22.05%	+20.93%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-2.88%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-6.46%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-22.05%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.04%	-0.81%	+0.77%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.13%	-5.84%	+5.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.91%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PCS	VTC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.41%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	3.23%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.59%	4.37%	-2.78%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.59%	7.08%	-5.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.59%	7.68%	-6.09%

PCS vs. VTC - Expense Ratio Comparison

PCS has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is higher than VTC's 0.04% 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. VTC - Dividend Comparison

PCS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.01%, less than VTC's 4.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
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%
VTC Vanguard Total Corporate Bond ETF	4.92%	4.76%	4.50%	3.80%	3.13%	2.36%	2.69%	3.34%	3.53%	0.55%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PCS and VTC in my portfolio?

PCS and VTC have a correlation of 0.85, 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 VTC?

On fees, VTC is cheaper at 0.04% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, PCS or VTC?

VTC is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for PCS.

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

VTC has the higher dividend yield at 4.92%, compared with 4.01% for PCS.

What is the main difference between PCS and VTC?

They also come from different issuers: PGIM and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for PCS and 0.04% for VTC.