FLEH vs. PBDC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FLEH (Franklin FTSE Europe Hedged ETF) and PBDC (Putnam BDC Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FLEH is a Europe Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed Europe RIC Capped Index, while PBDC is a Financials Equities fund actively managed by Franklin Templeton. FLEH is passively managed, while PBDC is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, FLEH returned 17.50%/yr vs 7.11%/yr for PBDC. At a 0.45 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FLEH charges 0.09%/yr vs 13.49%/yr for PBDC.

Performance

FLEH vs. PBDC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin FTSE Europe Hedged ETF (FLEH) 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, FLEH achieves a 7.40% return, which is significantly higher than PBDC's -11.42% return.

FLEH

• 1D: -1.70%
• 1M: 1.76%
• YTD: 7.40%
• 6M: 7.90%
• 1Y: 20.48%
• 3Y*: 17.50%
• 5Y*: 11.75%
• 10Y*: —

PBDC

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: -1.31%
• YTD: -11.42%
• 6M: -9.25%
• 1Y: -11.33%
• 3Y*: 7.11%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FLEH vs. PBDC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
FLEH Franklin FTSE Europe Hedged ETF	7.40%	41.56%	2.26%	16.21%	10.05%
PBDC Putnam BDC Income ETF	-11.42%	-1.77%	19.43%	30.52%	10.38%

Correlation

The correlation between FLEH and PBDC is 0.37, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.37
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.40
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 30, 2022	0.45

Return for Risk

FLEH vs. PBDC — Risk / Return Rank

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

FLEH

FLEH Risk / Return Rank: 35
FLEH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
FLEH Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
FLEH Omega Ratio Rank: 34
FLEH Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
FLEH Martin Ratio Rank: 38

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.

FLEH vs. PBDC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin FTSE Europe Hedged ETF (FLEH) 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.

	FLEH	PBDC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.18	-0.61	+1.79
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.75	-0.76	+2.51
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	0.91	+0.30
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.53	-0.56	+2.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.57	-0.98	+6.55

FLEH vs. PBDC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLEH Sharpe Ratio is 1.18, which is higher than the PBDC Sharpe Ratio of -0.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLEH 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

FLEH vs. PBDC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLEH drawdown since its inception was -33.94%, which is greater than PBDC's maximum drawdown of -20.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLEH and PBDC.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLEH	PBDC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.94%	-20.47%	-13.47%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.41%	-20.15%	+6.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.67%	-20.47%	+4.80%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.67%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.00%	-18.74%	+16.74%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.68%	-4.83%	+0.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.69%	11.58%	-7.89%

Volatility

FLEH vs. PBDC - Volatility Comparison

Franklin FTSE Europe Hedged ETF (FLEH) and Putnam BDC Income ETF (PBDC) have volatilities of 5.38% and 5.50%, 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

	FLEH	PBDC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.38%	5.50%	-0.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.05%	15.43%	-0.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.53%	18.66%	-1.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.47%	17.05%	-0.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.27%	17.05%	+1.22%

FLEH vs. PBDC - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLEH has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than PBDC's 13.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

FLEH vs. PBDC - Dividend Comparison

FLEH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.08%, less than PBDC's 11.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FLEH Franklin FTSE Europe Hedged ETF	1.08%	2.22%	3.18%	3.25%	21.45%	3.03%	1.94%	6.06%	12.17%	0.07%
PBDC Putnam BDC Income ETF	11.91%	10.53%	9.29%	9.86%	3.40%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLEH and PBDC in my portfolio?

FLEH and PBDC have a correlation of 0.37, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FLEH or PBDC?

PBDC has higher volatility (5.50%) compared to FLEH (5.38%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLEH dropped -33.94% vs PBDC's -20.47%.

Which ETF is better, FLEH or PBDC?

On 3-year performance, FLEH leads with 17.50% vs 7.11% for PBDC. On fees, FLEH is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, FLEH has been the lower-risk option at 5.38%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLEH or PBDC?

Over the 3-year period, FLEH has performed better with a 17.50% return vs 7.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLEH or PBDC?

FLEH is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 13.49% for PBDC.

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

PBDC has the higher dividend yield at 11.91%, compared with 1.08% for FLEH.

What is the main difference between FLEH and PBDC?

FLEH is categorized as Europe Equities, while PBDC is Financials Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for FLEH and 13.49% for PBDC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FLEH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.18 vs -0.61), 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.