FLCB vs. PCRB

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

FLCB (Franklin U.S. Core Bond ETF) and PCRB (Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF -) are both Intermediate Core Bond funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, FLCB returned 4.02%/yr vs 4.14%/yr for PCRB. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FLCB charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for PCRB.

Performance

FLCB vs. PCRB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin U.S. Core Bond ETF (FLCB) 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, FLCB achieves a 0.41% return, which is significantly higher than PCRB's -0.19% return.

FLCB

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 0.09%
• YTD: 0.41%
• 6M: 0.52%
• 1Y: 5.33%
• 3Y*: 4.02%
• 5Y*: 0.07%
• 10Y*: —

PCRB

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: -0.46%
• YTD: -0.19%
• 6M: -0.13%
• 1Y: 4.66%
• 3Y*: 4.14%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FLCB vs. PCRB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
FLCB Franklin U.S. Core Bond ETF	0.41%	6.95%	1.59%	2.66%
PCRB Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF -	-0.19%	7.21%	1.91%	2.41%

Correlation

The correlation between FLCB and PCRB is 0.92, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 23, 2023	0.94

The correlation between FLCB and PCRB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

FLCB vs. PCRB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FLCB	PCRB
Financial Services	2.6%	0.3%
Healthcare	1.1%	0.4%
Energy	0.7%	-
Communication Services	0.6%	11.8%
Utilities	0.4%	-
Industrials	0.4%	-
Consumer Defensive	0.2%	0.1%
Technology	0.1%	-
Basic Materials	0.1%	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

FLCB vs. PCRB — Risk / Return Rank

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

FLCB

FLCB Risk / Return Rank: 37
FLCB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
FLCB Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
FLCB Omega Ratio Rank: 37
FLCB Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
FLCB Martin Ratio Rank: 35

PCRB

PCRB Risk / Return Rank: 32
PCRB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
PCRB Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
PCRB Omega Ratio Rank: 31
PCRB Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
PCRB Martin Ratio Rank: 32

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.

FLCB vs. PCRB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin U.S. Core Bond ETF (FLCB) 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.

	FLCB	PCRB	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.39	1.24	+0.15
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.04	1.89	+0.15
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.22	+0.03
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.77	1.47	+0.30
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	5.46	4.84	+0.61
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FLCB vs. PCRB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLCB Sharpe Ratio is 1.39, which is comparable to the PCRB Sharpe Ratio of 1.24. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLCB 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

	FLCB	PCRB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.39	1.24	+0.15
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.01	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.17	0.60	-0.43

Drawdowns

FLCB vs. PCRB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLCB drawdown since its inception was -18.82%, which is greater than PCRB's maximum drawdown of -7.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLCB and PCRB.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLCB	PCRB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.82%	-7.20%	-11.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.85%	-3.02%	+0.17%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.16%	-5.85%	-0.31%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.48%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.22%	-2.05%	-0.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.63%	-1.64%	-4.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.93%	0.92%	+0.01%

Volatility

FLCB vs. PCRB - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Franklin U.S. Core Bond ETF (FLCB) is 1.27%, while Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF - (PCRB) has a volatility of 1.37%. This indicates that FLCB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PCRB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FLCB	PCRB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.27%	1.37%	-0.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.77%	2.69%	+0.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.87%	3.78%	+0.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.75%	5.63%	+0.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.51%	5.63%	-0.12%

FLCB vs. PCRB - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLCB has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than PCRB's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

FLCB vs. PCRB - Dividend Comparison

FLCB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.30%, less than PCRB's 9.78% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
FLCB Franklin U.S. Core Bond ETF	4.30%	4.19%	4.10%	3.40%	2.73%	2.28%	3.24%	0.73%
PCRB Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF -	9.78%	4.30%	4.38%	3.65%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLCB and PCRB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, FLCB 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, FLCB or PCRB?

PCRB has higher volatility (1.37%) compared to FLCB (1.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLCB dropped -18.82% vs PCRB's -7.20%.

Which ETF is better, FLCB or PCRB?

On 3-year performance, PCRB leads with 4.14% vs 4.02% for FLCB. On fees, FLCB is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, FLCB has been the lower-risk option at 1.27%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLCB or PCRB?

Over the 3-year period, PCRB has performed better with a 4.14% return vs 4.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLCB or PCRB?

FLCB is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for PCRB.

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

PCRB has the higher dividend yield at 9.78%, compared with 4.30% for FLCB.

What is the main difference between FLCB and PCRB?

They also come from different issuers: Franklin Templeton and Putnam. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for FLCB and 0.35% for PCRB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FLCB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.39 vs 1.24), 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.