EAGG vs. PCRB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EAGG (iShares ESG Aware US Aggregate Bond ETF) and PCRB (Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF -) are both Intermediate Core Bond funds. EAGG is passively managed, while PCRB is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, EAGG returned 3.84%/yr vs 4.09%/yr for PCRB. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. EAGG charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for PCRB.

Performance

EAGG vs. PCRB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares ESG Aware US Aggregate Bond ETF (EAGG) 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, EAGG achieves a 0.26% return, which is significantly higher than PCRB's -0.32% return.

EAGG

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: 0.27%
• YTD: 0.26%
• 6M: 0.09%
• 1Y: 5.11%
• 3Y*: 3.84%
• 5Y*: 0.01%
• 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)

EAGG vs. PCRB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
EAGG iShares ESG Aware US Aggregate Bond ETF	0.26%	7.18%	1.12%	2.36%
PCRB Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF -	-0.32%	7.21%	1.91%	2.41%

Correlation

The correlation between EAGG and PCRB is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 23, 2023	0.96

The correlation between EAGG and PCRB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

EAGG vs. PCRB — Risk / Return Rank

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

EAGG

EAGG Risk / Return Rank: 37
EAGG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
EAGG Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
EAGG Omega Ratio Rank: 35
EAGG Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
EAGG 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.

EAGG vs. PCRB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares ESG Aware US Aggregate Bond ETF (EAGG) 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.

	EAGG	PCRB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.35	1.21	+0.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.03	1.84	+0.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.21	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.86	1.51	+0.35
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.75	4.90	+0.85
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EAGG vs. PCRB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EAGG Sharpe Ratio is 1.35, which is comparable to the PCRB Sharpe Ratio of 1.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EAGG 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

	EAGG	PCRB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.35	1.21	+0.15
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.00	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.38	0.59	-0.21

Drawdowns

EAGG vs. PCRB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EAGG drawdown since its inception was -18.74%, which is greater than PCRB's maximum drawdown of -7.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EAGG and PCRB.

Drawdown Indicators

	EAGG	PCRB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.74%	-7.20%	-11.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.75%	-3.02%	+0.27%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.20%	-5.85%	-0.35%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.98%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.79%	-2.18%	-0.61%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.05%	-1.64%	-4.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.89%	0.93%	-0.04%

Volatility

EAGG vs. PCRB - Volatility Comparison

iShares ESG Aware US Aggregate Bond ETF (EAGG) and Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF - (PCRB) have volatilities of 1.26% and 1.32%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EAGG	PCRB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.26%	1.32%	-0.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.67%	2.66%	+0.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.79%	3.77%	+0.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.03%	5.63%	+0.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.50%	5.63%	-0.13%

EAGG vs. PCRB - Expense Ratio Comparison

EAGG has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than PCRB's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

EAGG vs. PCRB - Dividend Comparison

EAGG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.01%, less than PCRB's 9.79% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
EAGG iShares ESG Aware US Aggregate Bond ETF	4.01%	3.92%	3.93%	3.24%	2.07%	1.09%	1.82%	3.17%	0.61%
PCRB Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF -	9.79%	4.30%	4.38%	3.65%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EAGG and PCRB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, EAGG 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, EAGG or PCRB?

PCRB has higher volatility (1.32%) compared to EAGG (1.26%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EAGG dropped -18.74% vs PCRB's -7.20%.

Which ETF is better, EAGG or PCRB?

On 3-year performance, PCRB leads with 4.09% vs 3.84% for EAGG. On fees, EAGG is cheaper at 0.10% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EAGG or PCRB?

Over the 3-year period, PCRB has performed better with a 4.09% return vs 3.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EAGG or PCRB?

EAGG is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for PCRB.

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

PCRB has the higher dividend yield at 9.79%, compared with 4.01% for EAGG.

What is the main difference between EAGG and PCRB?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and Putnam. Their fees differ too: 0.10% for EAGG and 0.35% for PCRB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EAGG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.35 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.