CAFX vs. PCRB

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

CAFX (Congress Intermediate Bond ETF) and PCRB (Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF -) are both Intermediate Core Bond funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.80 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.35% expense ratio.

Performance

CAFX vs. PCRB - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

CAFX

• 1D: -0.08%
• 1M: -0.20%
• 6M: 0.08%
• YTD: 0.12%
• 1Y: 3.03%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PCRB

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

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

CAFX vs. PCRB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
CAFX Congress Intermediate Bond ETF	0.12%	6.46%	-1.50%
PCRB Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF -	-0.48%	7.21%	-2.99%

Correlation

The correlation between CAFX and PCRB is 0.76, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 10, 2024	0.80

The correlation between CAFX and PCRB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.76 to 0.80 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

CAFX vs. PCRB — Risk / Return Rank

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

CAFX

CAFX Risk / Return Rank: 35
CAFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
CAFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
CAFX Omega Ratio Rank: 32
CAFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
CAFX Martin Ratio Rank: 35

PCRB

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

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.

CAFX vs. PCRB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Congress Intermediate Bond ETF (CAFX) 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.

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.

	CAFX	PCRB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.98	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.49	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.59	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.27	—	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	CAFX	PCRB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.63%	—	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.79%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.08%	—	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.74%	—	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.66%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	CAFX	PCRB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.85%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.98%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.89%	—	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.14%	—	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.14%	—	—

CAFX vs. PCRB - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both CAFX and PCRB have an expense ratio of 0.35%.

Dividends

CAFX vs. PCRB - Dividend Comparison

CAFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.04%, while PCRB has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
CAFX Congress Intermediate Bond ETF	4.04%	3.92%	0.96%	0.00%
PCRB Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF -	9.42%	4.30%	4.38%	3.65%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CAFX and PCRB in my portfolio?

CAFX and PCRB have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, CAFX or PCRB?

Both ETFs have the same 0.35% expense ratio. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, CAFX or PCRB?

CAFX and PCRB have the same expense ratio: 0.35% per year.

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

PCRB has the higher dividend yield at 9.42%, compared with 4.04% for CAFX.

What is the main difference between CAFX and PCRB?

They also come from different issuers: Congress and Putnam.