FLHY vs. PBDC

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

FLHY (Franklin Liberty High Yield Corporate ETF) and PBDC (Putnam BDC Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FLHY is a High Yield 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, FLHY returned 9.52%/yr vs 6.83%/yr for PBDC. At a 0.46 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FLHY charges 0.40%/yr vs 13.49%/yr for PBDC.

Performance

FLHY vs. PBDC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin Liberty High Yield Corporate ETF (FLHY) 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, FLHY achieves a 1.94% return, which is significantly higher than PBDC's -12.12% return.

FLHY

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 0.42%
• YTD: 1.94%
• 6M: 2.00%
• 1Y: 6.80%
• 3Y*: 9.52%
• 5Y*: 4.57%
• 10Y*: —

PBDC

• 1D: -0.80%
• 1M: -2.09%
• YTD: -12.12%
• 6M: -10.84%
• 1Y: -12.95%
• 3Y*: 6.83%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FLHY vs. PBDC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
FLHY Franklin Liberty High Yield Corporate ETF	1.94%	9.26%	8.70%	13.40%	4.74%
PBDC Putnam BDC Income ETF	-12.12%	-1.77%	19.43%	30.52%	10.38%

Correlation

The correlation between FLHY and PBDC is 0.45, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.45
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.42
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 30, 2022	0.46

Return for Risk

FLHY vs. PBDC — Risk / Return Rank

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

FLHY

FLHY Risk / Return Rank: 67
FLHY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
FLHY Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
FLHY Omega Ratio Rank: 65
FLHY Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
FLHY Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

FLHY vs. PBDC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Liberty High Yield Corporate ETF (FLHY) 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.

	FLHY	PBDC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.78	-0.70	+2.47
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.72	-0.89	+3.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	0.90	+0.44
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.81	-0.65	+3.45
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.14	-1.11	+14.25

FLHY vs. PBDC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLHY Sharpe Ratio is 1.78, which is higher than the PBDC Sharpe Ratio of -0.70. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLHY 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

FLHY vs. PBDC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLHY drawdown since its inception was -22.58%, which is greater than PBDC's maximum drawdown of -20.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLHY and PBDC.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLHY	PBDC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.58%	-20.47%	-2.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.43%	-20.15%	+17.72%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.49%	-20.47%	+15.98%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.19%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.21%	-19.39%	+19.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.53%	-4.85%	+2.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.52%	11.64%	-11.12%

Volatility

FLHY vs. PBDC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Franklin Liberty High Yield Corporate ETF (FLHY) is 0.97%, while Putnam BDC Income ETF (PBDC) has a volatility of 5.45%. This indicates that FLHY 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

	FLHY	PBDC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.97%	5.45%	-4.48%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.04%	15.43%	-12.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.85%	18.65%	-14.80%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.95%	17.05%	-10.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.09%	17.05%	-8.96%

FLHY vs. PBDC - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLHY has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is lower than PBDC's 13.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

FLHY vs. PBDC - Dividend Comparison

FLHY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.46%, less than PBDC's 12.00% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
FLHY Franklin Liberty High Yield Corporate ETF	6.46%	6.53%	6.51%	6.26%	6.54%	5.76%	5.47%	5.61%	4.27%
PBDC Putnam BDC Income ETF	12.00%	10.53%	9.29%	9.86%	3.40%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLHY and PBDC in my portfolio?

FLHY and PBDC have a correlation of 0.45, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FLHY or PBDC?

PBDC has higher volatility (5.45%) compared to FLHY (0.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLHY dropped -22.58% vs PBDC's -20.47%.

Which ETF is better, FLHY or PBDC?

On 3-year performance, FLHY leads with 9.52% vs 6.83% for PBDC. On fees, FLHY is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, FLHY has been the lower-risk option at 0.97%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLHY or PBDC?

Over the 3-year period, FLHY has performed better with a 9.52% return vs 6.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLHY or PBDC?

FLHY is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 13.49% for PBDC.

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

PBDC has the higher dividend yield at 12.00%, compared with 6.46% for FLHY.

What is the main difference between FLHY and PBDC?

FLHY is categorized as High Yield Bonds, while PBDC is Financials Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for FLHY and 13.49% for PBDC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FLHY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.78 vs -0.70), 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.