FSML vs. PBDC

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

FSML (Franklin Small Cap Enhanced ETF) and PBDC (Putnam BDC Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FSML is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Franklin Templeton, while PBDC is a Financials Equities fund actively managed by Franklin Templeton. Both are actively managed. At a 0.43 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FSML charges 0.45%/yr vs 13.49%/yr for PBDC.

Performance

FSML vs. PBDC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin Small Cap Enhanced ETF (FSML) 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, FSML achieves a 23.14% return, which is significantly higher than PBDC's -10.38% return.

FSML

• 1D: 1.09%
• 1M: 4.85%
• YTD: 23.14%
• 6M: 20.39%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PBDC

• 1D: 1.60%
• 1M: -1.76%
• YTD: -10.38%
• 6M: -9.85%
• 1Y: -11.99%
• 3Y*: 7.00%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FSML vs. PBDC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FSML Franklin Small Cap Enhanced ETF	23.14%	-3.75%
PBDC Putnam BDC Income ETF	-10.38%	-2.22%

Correlation

The correlation between FSML and PBDC is 0.43, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 11, 2025	0.43

Return for Risk

FSML vs. PBDC — Risk / Return Rank

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

FSML

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

PBDC

PBDC Risk / Return Rank: 5
PBDC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
PBDC Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
PBDC Omega Ratio Rank: 4
PBDC Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
PBDC Martin Ratio Rank: 5

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.

FSML vs. PBDC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Small Cap Enhanced ETF (FSML) 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.

	FSML	PBDC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	-0.64	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	-0.81	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	0.91	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	-0.60	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	-1.02	—

Drawdowns

FSML vs. PBDC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSML drawdown since its inception was -10.83%, smaller than the maximum PBDC drawdown of -20.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSML and PBDC.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSML	PBDC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.83%	-20.47%	+9.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-20.15%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-20.47%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-17.79%	+17.79%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.42%	-4.87%	+2.45%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	11.75%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FSML	PBDC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.46%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	15.51%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.63%	18.70%	+1.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.63%	17.05%	+3.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.63%	17.05%	+3.58%

FSML vs. PBDC - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSML has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than PBDC's 13.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

FSML vs. PBDC - Dividend Comparison

FSML's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.15%, less than PBDC's 11.77% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
FSML Franklin Small Cap Enhanced ETF	0.15%	0.06%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
PBDC Putnam BDC Income ETF	11.77%	10.53%	9.29%	9.86%	3.40%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSML and PBDC in my portfolio?

FSML and PBDC have a correlation of 0.43, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, FSML or PBDC?

On fees, FSML is cheaper at 0.45% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, FSML or PBDC?

FSML is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 13.49% for PBDC.

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

PBDC has the higher dividend yield at 11.77%, compared with 0.15% for FSML.

What is the main difference between FSML and PBDC?

FSML is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while PBDC is Financials Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for FSML and 13.49% for PBDC.