VUSI vs. PULS

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VUSI (Voya Ultra Short Income ETF) and PULS (PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF) are both Ultrashort Bond funds. Both are actively managed. At a 0.39 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VUSI charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for PULS.

Performance

VUSI vs. PULS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Voya Ultra Short Income ETF (VUSI) and PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF (PULS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VUSI achieves a -0.28% return, which is significantly lower than PULS's 1.73% return.

VUSI

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: -0.34%
• YTD: -0.28%
• 6M: 0.14%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PULS

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.36%
• YTD: 1.73%
• 6M: 2.09%
• 1Y: 4.70%
• 3Y*: 5.61%
• 5Y*: 4.12%
• 10Y*: —

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

VUSI vs. PULS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VUSI Voya Ultra Short Income ETF	-0.28%	0.68%
PULS PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF	1.73%	0.54%

Correlation

The correlation between VUSI and PULS is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 20, 2025	0.39

Return for Risk

VUSI vs. PULS — Risk / Return Rank

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

PULS

PULS Risk / Return Rank: 100
PULS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
PULS Sortino Ratio Rank: 100
PULS Omega Ratio Rank: 100
PULS Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
PULS 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.

VUSI vs. PULS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Voya Ultra Short Income ETF (VUSI) and PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF (PULS). 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

	VUSI	PULS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	11.41	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	5.92	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.54	2.51	-1.97

Drawdowns

VUSI vs. PULS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VUSI drawdown since its inception was -0.86%, smaller than the maximum PULS drawdown of -5.85%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VUSI and PULS.

Drawdown Indicators

	VUSI	PULS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-0.86%	-5.85%	+4.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-0.09%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-0.34%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-0.79%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.69%	0.00%	-0.69%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.27%	-0.09%	-0.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.01%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VUSI	PULS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.11%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	0.30%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.40%	0.41%	+0.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	1.40%	0.70%	+0.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	1.40%	1.33%	+0.07%

VUSI vs. PULS - Expense Ratio Comparison

VUSI has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than PULS's 0.15% 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

VUSI vs. PULS - Dividend Comparison

VUSI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.50%, less than PULS's 4.58% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
PULS PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF	4.58%	4.78%	5.62%	5.48%	2.30%	1.19%	1.85%	2.69%	1.87%
VUSI Voya Ultra Short Income ETF	0.50%	0.49%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VUSI and PULS in my portfolio?

VUSI and PULS have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VUSI or PULS?

On fees, PULS is cheaper at 0.15% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VUSI or PULS?

PULS is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for VUSI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VUSI or PULS?

PULS has the higher dividend yield at 4.58%, compared with 0.50% for VUSI.

What is the main difference between VUSI and PULS?

They also come from different issuers: Voya and PGIM. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for VUSI and 0.15% for PULS.