AFIX vs. PCRB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AFIX (Allspring Broad Market Core Bond ETF) and PCRB (Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF -) are both Intermediate Core Bond funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, AFIX returned 5.65% vs 4.53% for PCRB. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. AFIX charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for PCRB.

Performance

AFIX vs. PCRB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Allspring Broad Market Core Bond ETF (AFIX) and Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF - (PCRB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AFIX achieves a 0.31% return, which is significantly higher than PCRB's -0.32% return.

AFIX

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 0.23%
• YTD: 0.31%
• 6M: 0.22%
• 1Y: 5.65%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PCRB

• 1D: -0.13%
• 1M: -0.22%
• YTD: -0.32%
• 6M: -0.43%
• 1Y: 4.53%
• 3Y*: 4.09%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AFIX vs. PCRB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
AFIX Allspring Broad Market Core Bond ETF	0.31%	7.52%	-1.67%
PCRB Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF -	-0.32%	7.21%	-1.81%

Correlation

The correlation between AFIX and PCRB is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 6, 2024	0.95

The correlation between AFIX and PCRB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

AFIX vs. PCRB — Risk / Return Rank

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

AFIX

AFIX Risk / Return Rank: 40
AFIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
AFIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
AFIX Omega Ratio Rank: 40
AFIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
AFIX Martin Ratio Rank: 37

PCRB

PCRB Risk / Return Rank: 33
PCRB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
PCRB Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
PCRB Omega Ratio Rank: 31
PCRB Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
PCRB Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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.

AFIX vs. PCRB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Allspring Broad Market Core Bond ETF (AFIX) and Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF - (PCRB). 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.

	AFIX	PCRB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.43	1.21	+0.22
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.14	1.84	+0.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.21	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.83	1.51	+0.32
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.67	4.90	+0.77
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

AFIX vs. PCRB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AFIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.43, which is comparable to the PCRB Sharpe Ratio of 1.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AFIX and PCRB, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	AFIX	PCRB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.43	1.21	+0.22
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.89	0.59	+0.30

Drawdowns

AFIX vs. PCRB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AFIX drawdown since its inception was -3.33%, smaller than the maximum PCRB drawdown of -7.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AFIX and PCRB.

Drawdown Indicators

	AFIX	PCRB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.33%	-7.20%	+3.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.10%	-3.02%	-0.08%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-5.85%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.88%	-2.18%	+0.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.96%	-1.64%	+0.68%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.00%	0.93%	+0.07%

Volatility

AFIX vs. PCRB - Volatility Comparison

Allspring Broad Market Core Bond ETF (AFIX) has a higher volatility of 1.42% compared to Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF - (PCRB) at 1.32%. This indicates that AFIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PCRB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AFIX	PCRB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.42%	1.32%	+0.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.87%	2.66%	+0.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.97%	3.77%	+0.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.55%	5.63%	-1.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.55%	5.63%	-1.08%

AFIX vs. PCRB - Expense Ratio Comparison

AFIX has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than PCRB's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

AFIX vs. PCRB - Dividend Comparison

AFIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.02%, less than PCRB's 9.79% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
AFIX Allspring Broad Market Core Bond ETF	5.02%	4.94%	0.38%	0.00%
PCRB Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF -	9.79%	4.30%	4.38%	3.65%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AFIX and PCRB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, AFIX and PCRB 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 is riskier, AFIX or PCRB?

AFIX has higher volatility (1.42%) compared to PCRB (1.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AFIX dropped -3.33% vs PCRB's -7.20%.

Which ETF is better, AFIX or PCRB?

On 1-year performance, AFIX leads with 5.65% vs 4.53% for PCRB. On fees, AFIX is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, PCRB has been the lower-risk option at 1.32%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AFIX or PCRB?

Over the 1-year period, AFIX has performed better with a 5.65% return vs 4.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AFIX or PCRB?

AFIX is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for PCRB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AFIX or PCRB?

PCRB has the higher dividend yield at 9.79%, compared with 5.02% for AFIX.

What is the main difference between AFIX and PCRB?

They also come from different issuers: Allspring and Putnam. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for AFIX and 0.35% for PCRB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AFIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.43 vs 1.21), 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.