FLMX vs. PBDC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FLMX (Franklin FTSE Mexico ETF) and PBDC (Putnam BDC Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FLMX is a Latin America Equities fund tracking the FTSE Mexico RIC Capped Index, while PBDC is a Financials Equities fund actively managed by Franklin Templeton. FLMX is passively managed, while PBDC is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, FLMX returned 10.20%/yr vs 7.11%/yr for PBDC. At a 0.34 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FLMX charges 0.19%/yr vs 13.49%/yr for PBDC.

Performance

FLMX vs. PBDC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin FTSE Mexico ETF (FLMX) 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, FLMX achieves a 9.45% return, which is significantly higher than PBDC's -11.42% return.

FLMX

• 1D: -1.54%
• 1M: -2.53%
• YTD: 9.45%
• 6M: 6.90%
• 1Y: 33.21%
• 3Y*: 10.20%
• 5Y*: 12.58%
• 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)

FLMX vs. PBDC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
FLMX Franklin FTSE Mexico ETF	9.45%	53.62%	-28.45%	39.35%	12.57%
PBDC Putnam BDC Income ETF	-11.42%	-1.77%	19.43%	30.52%	10.38%

Correlation

The correlation between FLMX and PBDC is 0.20, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.20
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.29
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 30, 2022	0.34

The correlation between FLMX and PBDC shifts across timeframes, from 0.20 (1 year) to 0.34 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

FLMX vs. PBDC — Risk / Return Rank

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

FLMX

FLMX Risk / Return Rank: 48
FLMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
FLMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
FLMX Omega Ratio Rank: 44
FLMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
FLMX Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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.

FLMX vs. PBDC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin FTSE Mexico ETF (FLMX) 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.

	FLMX	PBDC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.55	-0.61	+2.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.19	-0.76	+2.95
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	0.91	+0.36
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.35	-0.56	+2.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.16	-0.98	+9.14

FLMX vs. PBDC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLMX Sharpe Ratio is 1.55, which is higher than the PBDC Sharpe Ratio of -0.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLMX 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

FLMX vs. PBDC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLMX drawdown since its inception was -50.05%, which is greater than PBDC's maximum drawdown of -20.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLMX and PBDC.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLMX	PBDC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.05%	-20.47%	-29.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.18%	-20.15%	+5.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-31.72%	-20.47%	-11.25%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.72%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.97%	-18.74%	+11.77%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.00%	-4.83%	-7.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.08%	11.58%	-7.50%

Volatility

FLMX vs. PBDC - Volatility Comparison

Franklin FTSE Mexico ETF (FLMX) has a higher volatility of 6.82% compared to Putnam BDC Income ETF (PBDC) at 5.50%. This indicates that FLMX'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

	FLMX	PBDC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.82%	5.50%	+1.32%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.06%	15.43%	+2.63%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.57%	18.66%	+2.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.08%	17.05%	+5.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.67%	17.05%	+7.62%

FLMX vs. PBDC - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLMX has a 0.19% expense ratio, which is lower than PBDC's 13.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

FLMX vs. PBDC - Dividend Comparison

FLMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.89%, less than PBDC's 11.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FLMX Franklin FTSE Mexico ETF	1.89%	3.99%	3.31%	2.90%	4.22%	3.15%	1.48%	2.95%	2.51%	0.31%
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 FLMX and PBDC in my portfolio?

FLMX and PBDC have a correlation of 0.20, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FLMX or PBDC?

FLMX has higher volatility (6.82%) compared to PBDC (5.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLMX dropped -50.05% vs PBDC's -20.47%.

Which ETF is better, FLMX or PBDC?

On 3-year performance, FLMX leads with 10.20% vs 7.11% for PBDC. On fees, FLMX is cheaper at 0.19% per year. On volatility, PBDC has been the lower-risk option at 5.50%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLMX or PBDC?

Over the 3-year period, FLMX has performed better with a 10.20% return vs 7.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLMX or PBDC?

FLMX is cheaper with a 0.19% expense ratio, compared with 13.49% for PBDC.

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

PBDC has the higher dividend yield at 11.91%, compared with 1.89% for FLMX.

What is the main difference between FLMX and PBDC?

FLMX is categorized as Latin America Equities, while PBDC is Financials Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.19% for FLMX and 13.49% for PBDC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FLMX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.55 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.