VBCG vs. PCL

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

VBCG (Vanguard Target Maturity 2033 Corporate Bond ETF) and PCL (PGIM Corporate Bond 10+ Year ETF) are both Corporate Bonds funds. VBCG is passively managed, while PCL is actively managed. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VBCG charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for PCL.

Performance

VBCG vs. PCL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Target Maturity 2033 Corporate Bond ETF (VBCG) and PGIM Corporate Bond 10+ Year ETF (PCL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

VBCG

• 1D: -0.12%
• 1M: -0.45%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PCL

• 1D: -0.30%
• 1M: -1.79%
• 6M: -0.66%
• YTD: 0.10%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VBCG vs. PCL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
VBCG Vanguard Target Maturity 2033 Corporate Bond ETF	1.11%
PCL PGIM Corporate Bond 10+ Year ETF	0.88%

Correlation

The correlation between VBCG and PCL is 0.94, 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 Mar 26, 2026	0.94

Return for Risk

VBCG vs. PCL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Target Maturity 2033 Corporate Bond ETF (VBCG) 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

VBCG vs. PCL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VBCG drawdown since its inception was -1.90%, smaller than the maximum PCL drawdown of -5.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VBCG and PCL.

Drawdown Indicators

	VBCG	PCL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.90%	-5.14%	+3.24%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.94%	-2.85%	+1.91%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.52%	-1.70%	+1.18%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VBCG	PCL	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.35%	7.84%	-3.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.35%	7.84%	-3.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.35%	7.84%	-3.49%

VBCG vs. PCL - Expense Ratio Comparison

VBCG 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

VBCG vs. PCL - Dividend Comparison

VBCG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.20%, less than PCL's 5.86% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
PCL PGIM Corporate Bond 10+ Year ETF	5.86%	2.52%
VBCG Vanguard Target Maturity 2033 Corporate Bond ETF	1.20%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VBCG and PCL in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, VBCG and PCL move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, VBCG or PCL?

On fees, VBCG 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, VBCG or PCL?

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

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

PCL has the higher dividend yield at 5.86%, compared with 1.20% for VBCG.

What is the main difference between VBCG and PCL?

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