PWRD vs. VGUS

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PWRD (TCW Transform Systems ETF) and VGUS (Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PWRD is a Energy Equities fund actively managed by TCW, while VGUS is a Ultrashort Bond fund tracking the Bloomberg Short Treasury Index. PWRD is actively managed, while VGUS is passively managed. Over the past year, PWRD returned 36.33% vs 3.85% for VGUS. At a correlation of -0.13, they often move in opposite directions. PWRD charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VGUS.

Performance

PWRD vs. VGUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in TCW Transform Systems ETF (PWRD) and Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF (VGUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PWRD achieves a 21.92% return, which is significantly higher than VGUS's 1.61% return.

PWRD

• 1D: -4.36%
• 1M: 4.92%
• YTD: 21.92%
• 6M: 19.81%
• 1Y: 36.33%
• 3Y*: 33.16%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VGUS

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: 0.20%
• YTD: 1.61%
• 6M: 1.69%
• 1Y: 3.85%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PWRD vs. VGUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PWRD TCW Transform Systems ETF	21.92%	21.22%
VGUS Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF	1.61%	3.78%

Correlation

The correlation between PWRD and VGUS is -0.11, 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.11
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 11, 2025	-0.13

Return for Risk

PWRD vs. VGUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

PWRD

PWRD Risk / Return Rank: 46
PWRD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
PWRD Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
PWRD Omega Ratio Rank: 40
PWRD Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
PWRD Martin Ratio Rank: 52

VGUS

VGUS Risk / Return Rank: 99
VGUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 100
VGUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
VGUS Omega Ratio Rank: 99
VGUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
VGUS Martin Ratio Rank: 100

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.

PWRD vs. VGUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for TCW Transform Systems ETF (PWRD) and Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF (VGUS). 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.

	PWRD	VGUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.44	11.84	-10.40
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.99	34.08	-32.09
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	10.49	-9.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.58	53.13	-50.54
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.57	402.18	-393.62

PWRD vs. VGUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PWRD Sharpe Ratio is 1.44, which is lower than the VGUS Sharpe Ratio of 11.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PWRD and VGUS, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

PWRD vs. VGUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PWRD drawdown since its inception was -25.87%, which is greater than VGUS's maximum drawdown of -0.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PWRD and VGUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	PWRD	VGUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.87%	-0.07%	-25.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.12%	-0.07%	-14.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.87%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.36%	0.00%	-4.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.07%	-0.00%	-5.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.25%	0.01%	+4.24%

Volatility

PWRD vs. VGUS - Volatility Comparison

TCW Transform Systems ETF (PWRD) has a higher volatility of 10.84% compared to Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF (VGUS) at 0.11%. This indicates that PWRD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VGUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PWRD	VGUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.84%	0.11%	+10.73%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.67%	0.18%	+20.49%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.31%	0.33%	+24.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.89%	0.34%	+22.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.89%	0.34%	+22.55%

PWRD vs. VGUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

PWRD has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than VGUS's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

PWRD vs. VGUS - Dividend Comparison

PWRD has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VGUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.60%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
PWRD TCW Transform Systems ETF	0.00%	0.22%	0.49%	0.78%	0.91%
VGUS Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF	3.60%	3.12%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PWRD and VGUS in my portfolio?

PWRD and VGUS have a correlation of -0.11, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PWRD or VGUS?

PWRD has higher volatility (10.84%) compared to VGUS (0.11%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PWRD dropped -25.87% vs VGUS's -0.07%.

Which ETF is better, PWRD or VGUS?

On 1-year performance, PWRD leads with 36.33% vs 3.85% for VGUS. On fees, VGUS is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, VGUS has been the lower-risk option at 0.11%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PWRD or VGUS?

Over the 1-year period, PWRD has performed better with a 36.33% return vs 3.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PWRD or VGUS?

VGUS is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for PWRD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PWRD or VGUS?

VGUS has the higher dividend yield at 3.60%, compared with 0.00% for PWRD.

What is the main difference between PWRD and VGUS?

PWRD is categorized as Energy Equities, while VGUS is Ultrashort Bond. They also come from different issuers: TCW and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for PWRD and 0.07% for VGUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (11.84 vs 1.44), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.