FLXR vs. PWRD

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FLXR (TCW Flexible Income ETF) and PWRD (TCW Transform Systems ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FLXR is a Multisector Bonds fund actively managed by TCW, while PWRD is a Energy Equities fund actively managed by TCW. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, FLXR returned 5.35% vs 36.33% for PWRD. At a 0.17 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FLXR charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for PWRD.

Performance

FLXR vs. PWRD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in TCW Flexible Income ETF (FLXR) and TCW Transform Systems ETF (PWRD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FLXR achieves a 1.28% return, which is significantly lower than PWRD's 21.92% return.

FLXR

• 1D: 0.13%
• 1M: 0.37%
• YTD: 1.28%
• 6M: 1.48%
• 1Y: 5.35%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PWRD

• 1D: -4.36%
• 1M: 4.92%
• YTD: 21.92%
• 6M: 19.81%
• 1Y: 36.33%
• 3Y*: 33.16%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FLXR vs. PWRD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
FLXR TCW Flexible Income ETF	1.28%	8.37%	4.42%
PWRD TCW Transform Systems ETF	21.92%	32.84%	4.94%

Correlation

The correlation between FLXR and PWRD is 0.27, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.27
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 24, 2024	0.17

The correlation between FLXR and PWRD shifts across timeframes, from 0.17 (all time) to 0.27 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

FLXR vs. PWRD — Risk / Return Rank

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

FLXR

FLXR Risk / Return Rank: 79
FLXR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
FLXR Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
FLXR Omega Ratio Rank: 80
FLXR Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
FLXR Martin Ratio Rank: 82

PWRD

PWRD Risk / Return Rank: 46
PWRD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
PWRD Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
PWRD Omega Ratio Rank: 40
PWRD Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
PWRD Martin Ratio Rank: 52

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.

FLXR vs. PWRD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for TCW Flexible Income ETF (FLXR) and TCW Transform Systems ETF (PWRD). 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.

	FLXR	PWRD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.32	1.44	+0.88
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.44	1.99	+1.45
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.25	+0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.67	2.58	+1.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.58	8.57	+7.02

FLXR vs. PWRD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FLXR Sharpe Ratio is 2.32, which is higher than the PWRD Sharpe Ratio of 1.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FLXR and PWRD, 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

FLXR vs. PWRD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FLXR drawdown since its inception was -1.94%, smaller than the maximum PWRD drawdown of -25.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FLXR and PWRD.

Drawdown Indicators

	FLXR	PWRD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.94%	-25.87%	+23.93%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.46%	-14.12%	+12.66%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-25.87%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.29%	-4.36%	+4.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.36%	-5.07%	+4.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.34%	4.25%	-3.91%

Volatility

FLXR vs. PWRD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for TCW Flexible Income ETF (FLXR) is 0.81%, while TCW Transform Systems ETF (PWRD) has a volatility of 10.84%. This indicates that FLXR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PWRD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FLXR	PWRD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.81%	10.84%	-10.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.74%	20.67%	-18.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.32%	25.31%	-22.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.81%	22.89%	-20.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.81%	22.89%	-20.08%

FLXR vs. PWRD - Expense Ratio Comparison

FLXR has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is lower than PWRD's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

FLXR vs. PWRD - Dividend Comparison

FLXR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.81%, while PWRD has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
FLXR TCW Flexible Income ETF	5.81%	5.66%	3.44%	0.00%	0.00%
PWRD TCW Transform Systems ETF	0.00%	0.22%	0.49%	0.78%	0.91%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FLXR and PWRD in my portfolio?

FLXR and PWRD have a correlation of 0.27, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FLXR or PWRD?

PWRD has higher volatility (10.84%) compared to FLXR (0.81%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FLXR dropped -1.94% vs PWRD's -25.87%.

Which ETF is better, FLXR or PWRD?

On 1-year performance, PWRD leads with 36.33% vs 5.35% for FLXR. On fees, FLXR is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, FLXR has been the lower-risk option at 0.81%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FLXR or PWRD?

Over the 1-year period, PWRD has performed better with a 36.33% return vs 5.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FLXR or PWRD?

FLXR is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for PWRD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FLXR or PWRD?

FLXR has the higher dividend yield at 5.81%, compared with 0.00% for PWRD.

What is the main difference between FLXR and PWRD?

FLXR is categorized as Multisector Bonds, while PWRD is Energy Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for FLXR and 0.75% for PWRD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FLXR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.32 vs 1.44), 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.