VBCJ vs. PCL

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

VBCJ (Vanguard Target Maturity 2036 Corporate Bond ETF) and PCL (PGIM Corporate Bond 10+ Year ETF) are both Corporate Bonds funds. VBCJ is passively managed, while PCL is actively managed. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VBCJ charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for PCL.

Performance

VBCJ vs. PCL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Target Maturity 2036 Corporate Bond ETF (VBCJ) and PGIM Corporate Bond 10+ Year ETF (PCL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

VBCJ

• 1D: -0.23%
• 1M: -0.94%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PCL

• 1D: -0.30%
• 1M: -1.92%
• 6M: -0.66%
• YTD: 0.10%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VBCJ vs. PCL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
VBCJ Vanguard Target Maturity 2036 Corporate Bond ETF	0.96%
PCL PGIM Corporate Bond 10+ Year ETF	0.88%

Correlation

The correlation between VBCJ 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

VBCJ vs. PCL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Target Maturity 2036 Corporate Bond ETF (VBCJ) 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

VBCJ vs. PCL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VBCJ drawdown since its inception was -2.50%, smaller than the maximum PCL drawdown of -5.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VBCJ and PCL.

Drawdown Indicators

	VBCJ	PCL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.50%	-5.14%	+2.64%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.43%	-2.85%	+1.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.66%	-1.70%	+1.04%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VBCJ	PCL	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.77%	7.84%	-2.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.77%	7.84%	-2.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.77%	7.84%	-2.07%

VBCJ vs. PCL - Expense Ratio Comparison

VBCJ 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

VBCJ vs. PCL - Dividend Comparison

VBCJ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.31%, less than PCL's 5.86% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
PCL PGIM Corporate Bond 10+ Year ETF	5.86%	2.52%
VBCJ Vanguard Target Maturity 2036 Corporate Bond ETF	1.31%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VBCJ and PCL in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, VBCJ 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, VBCJ or PCL?

On fees, VBCJ 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, VBCJ or PCL?

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

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

PCL has the higher dividend yield at 5.86%, compared with 1.31% for VBCJ.

What is the main difference between VBCJ and PCL?

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