FLKR vs. PBDC

Last updated Jul 16, 2026

FLKR (Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF) and PBDC (Putnam BDC Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FLKR is a South Korea Equities fund tracking the FTSE South Korea RIC Capped Index, while PBDC is a Financials Equities fund actively managed by Franklin Templeton. FLKR is passively managed, while PBDC is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, FLKR returned 40.18%/yr vs 6.46%/yr for PBDC. At a 0.29 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FLKR charges 0.09%/yr vs 13.49%/yr for PBDC.

Performance

FLKR vs. PBDC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR) 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, FLKR achieves a 76.07% return, which is significantly higher than PBDC's -7.38% return.

FLKR

• 1D: -2.77%
• 1M: -17.05%
• 6M: 56.97%
• YTD: 76.07%
• 1Y: 135.11%
• 3Y*: 40.18%
• 5Y*: 15.51%
• 10Y*: —

PBDC

• 1D: 0.64%
• 1M: 2.43%
• 6M: -8.66%
• YTD: -7.38%
• 1Y: -12.91%
• 3Y*: 6.46%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FLKR vs. PBDC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
FLKR Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF	76.07%	91.91%	-18.84%	19.16%	18.01%
PBDC Putnam BDC Income ETF	-7.38%	-1.77%	19.43%	30.52%	10.38%

Correlation

The correlation between FLKR and PBDC is 0.17, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.17
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.25
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 30, 2022	0.29

The correlation between FLKR and PBDC shifts across timeframes, from 0.17 (1 year) to 0.29 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

FLKR vs. PBDC — Risk / Return Rank

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

FLKR

FLKR Risk / Return Rank: 90
FLKR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
FLKR Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
FLKR Omega Ratio Rank: 87
FLKR Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
FLKR Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

FLKR vs. PBDC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR) 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.

	FLKR	PBDC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.68	-0.69	+3.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.88	-0.88	+3.76
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	0.90	+0.52
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.85	-0.64	+6.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.64	-1.06	+18.69

FLKR vs. PBDC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLKR Sharpe Ratio is 2.68, which is higher than the PBDC Sharpe Ratio of -0.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLKR 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

FLKR vs. PBDC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLKR drawdown since its inception was -50.06%, which is greater than PBDC's maximum drawdown of -20.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLKR and PBDC.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLKR	PBDC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.06%	-20.47%	-29.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-23.24%	-20.15%	-3.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.39%	-20.47%	-5.92%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-47.97%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-21.90%	-15.03%	-6.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-21.93%	-5.02%	-16.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.69%	12.25%	-4.56%

Volatility

FLKR vs. PBDC - Volatility Comparison

Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR) has a higher volatility of 23.87% compared to Putnam BDC Income ETF (PBDC) at 4.66%. This indicates that FLKR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PBDC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FLKR	PBDC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	23.87%	4.66%	+19.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	47.79%	15.20%	+32.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	50.63%	18.80%	+31.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	31.30%	17.01%	+14.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.29%	17.01%	+12.28%

FLKR vs. PBDC - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

FLKR vs. PBDC - Dividend Comparison

FLKR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.62%, less than PBDC's 11.35% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FLKR Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF	2.62%	3.87%	7.08%	2.28%	3.13%	2.12%	0.99%	2.09%	1.86%	1.02%
PBDC Putnam BDC Income ETF	11.35%	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 FLKR and PBDC in my portfolio?

FLKR and PBDC have a correlation of 0.17, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FLKR or PBDC?

FLKR has higher volatility (23.87%) compared to PBDC (4.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLKR dropped -50.06% vs PBDC's -20.47%.

Which ETF is better, FLKR or PBDC?

On 3-year performance, FLKR leads with 40.18% vs 6.46% for PBDC. On fees, FLKR is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, PBDC has been the lower-risk option at 4.66%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLKR or PBDC?

Over the 3-year period, FLKR has performed better with a 40.18% return vs 6.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLKR or PBDC?

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

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

PBDC has the higher dividend yield at 11.35%, compared with 2.62% for FLKR.

What is the main difference between FLKR and PBDC?

FLKR is categorized as South Korea Equities, while PBDC is Financials Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for FLKR and 13.49% for PBDC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FLKR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.68 vs -0.69), 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.