VBCB vs. PCL

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

VBCB (Vanguard Target Maturity 2028 Corporate Bond ETF) and PCL (PGIM Corporate Bond 10+ Year ETF) are both Corporate Bonds funds. VBCB is passively managed, while PCL is actively managed. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VBCB charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for PCL.

Performance

VBCB vs. PCL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Target Maturity 2028 Corporate Bond ETF (VBCB) and PGIM Corporate Bond 10+ Year ETF (PCL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

VBCB

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: 0.35%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PCL

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: 1.83%
• YTD: 2.77%
• 6M: 2.02%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VBCB vs. PCL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
VBCB Vanguard Target Maturity 2028 Corporate Bond ETF	1.15%
PCL PGIM Corporate Bond 10+ Year ETF	3.57%

Correlation

The correlation between VBCB and PCL 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 Mar 26, 2026	0.75

Return for Risk

VBCB vs. PCL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Target Maturity 2028 Corporate Bond ETF (VBCB) and PGIM Corporate Bond 10+ Year ETF (PCL). 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.

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

Drawdowns

VBCB vs. PCL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VBCB drawdown since its inception was -0.31%, smaller than the maximum PCL drawdown of -5.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VBCB and PCL.

Drawdown Indicators

	VBCB	PCL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-0.31%	-5.14%	+4.83%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.22%	+0.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.08%	-1.71%	+1.63%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VBCB	PCL	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.46%	7.83%	-6.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.46%	7.83%	-6.37%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.46%	7.83%	-6.37%

VBCB vs. PCL - Expense Ratio Comparison

VBCB has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than PCL's 0.25% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VBCB vs. PCL - Dividend Comparison

VBCB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.42%, less than PCL's 5.24% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
PCL PGIM Corporate Bond 10+ Year ETF	5.24%	2.52%
VBCB Vanguard Target Maturity 2028 Corporate Bond ETF	0.42%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VBCB and PCL in my portfolio?

VBCB and PCL 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, VBCB or PCL?

On fees, VBCB is cheaper at 0.08% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VBCB or PCL?

VBCB is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for PCL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VBCB or PCL?

PCL has the higher dividend yield at 5.24%, compared with 0.42% for VBCB.

What is the main difference between VBCB and PCL?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and PGIM. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for VBCB and 0.25% for PCL.