FLCO vs. PBDC

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

FLCO (Franklin Liberty Investment Grade Corporate ETF) and PBDC (Putnam BDC Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FLCO is a Corporate Bonds fund actively managed by Franklin Templeton, while PBDC is a Financials Equities fund actively managed by Franklin Templeton. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, FLCO returned 5.01%/yr vs 6.63%/yr for PBDC. At a 0.21 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FLCO charges 0.35%/yr vs 13.49%/yr for PBDC.

Performance

FLCO vs. PBDC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin Liberty Investment Grade Corporate ETF (FLCO) and Putnam BDC Income ETF (PBDC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FLCO achieves a 0.05% return, which is significantly higher than PBDC's -8.03% return.

FLCO

• 1D: -0.26%
• 1M: -0.63%
• 6M: -0.18%
• YTD: 0.05%
• 1Y: 3.94%
• 3Y*: 5.01%
• 5Y*: -0.26%
• 10Y*: —

PBDC

• 1D: 1.83%
• 1M: 0.18%
• 6M: -8.66%
• YTD: -8.03%
• 1Y: -13.14%
• 3Y*: 6.63%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FLCO vs. PBDC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
FLCO Franklin Liberty Investment Grade Corporate ETF	0.05%	7.53%	1.93%	7.94%	3.33%
PBDC Putnam BDC Income ETF	-8.03%	-1.77%	19.43%	30.52%	10.38%

Correlation

The correlation between FLCO and PBDC is 0.25, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.25
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.21
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 30, 2022	0.21

Return for Risk

FLCO vs. PBDC — Risk / Return Rank

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

FLCO

FLCO Risk / Return Rank: 28
FLCO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
FLCO Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
FLCO Omega Ratio Rank: 24
FLCO Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
FLCO Martin Ratio Rank: 32

PBDC

PBDC Risk / Return Rank: 4
PBDC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
PBDC Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
PBDC Omega Ratio Rank: 4
PBDC Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
PBDC Martin Ratio Rank: 4

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.

FLCO vs. PBDC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Liberty Investment Grade Corporate ETF (FLCO) and Putnam BDC Income ETF (PBDC). 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.

	FLCO	PBDC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.81	-0.67	+1.48
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.19	-0.85	+2.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	0.91	+0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.27	-0.62	+1.90
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.75	-1.03	+4.78

FLCO vs. PBDC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLCO Sharpe Ratio is 0.81, which is higher than the PBDC Sharpe Ratio of -0.67. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLCO and PBDC, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

FLCO vs. PBDC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLCO drawdown since its inception was -22.71%, which is greater than PBDC's maximum drawdown of -20.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLCO and PBDC.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLCO	PBDC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.71%	-20.47%	-2.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.76%	-20.15%	+17.39%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.59%	-20.47%	+13.88%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.48%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.71%	-15.63%	+12.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.84%	-4.98%	-0.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.94%	12.13%	-11.19%

Volatility

FLCO vs. PBDC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Franklin Liberty Investment Grade Corporate ETF (FLCO) is 1.27%, while Putnam BDC Income ETF (PBDC) has a volatility of 4.50%. This indicates that FLCO experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PBDC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FLCO	PBDC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.27%	4.50%	-3.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.40%	15.38%	-11.98%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.37%	18.81%	-14.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.15%	17.03%	-9.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.81%	17.03%	-10.22%

FLCO vs. PBDC - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLCO has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than PBDC's 13.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

FLCO vs. PBDC - Dividend Comparison

FLCO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.71%, less than PBDC's 11.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
FLCO Franklin Liberty Investment Grade Corporate ETF	4.71%	4.60%	4.63%	3.83%	3.85%	2.85%	3.99%	3.39%	3.86%	3.33%	0.51%
PBDC Putnam BDC Income ETF	11.43%	10.53%	9.29%	9.86%	3.40%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLCO and PBDC in my portfolio?

FLCO and PBDC have a correlation of 0.25, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FLCO or PBDC?

PBDC has higher volatility (4.50%) compared to FLCO (1.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLCO dropped -22.71% vs PBDC's -20.47%.

Which ETF is better, FLCO or PBDC?

On 3-year performance, PBDC leads with 6.63% vs 5.01% for FLCO. On fees, FLCO is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, FLCO 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, FLCO or PBDC?

Over the 3-year period, PBDC has performed better with a 6.63% return vs 5.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLCO or PBDC?

FLCO is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 13.49% for PBDC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FLCO or PBDC?

PBDC has the higher dividend yield at 11.43%, compared with 4.71% for FLCO.

What is the main difference between FLCO and PBDC?

FLCO is categorized as Corporate Bonds, while PBDC is Financials Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for FLCO and 13.49% for PBDC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FLCO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.81 vs -0.67), 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.