HICSX vs. PCONX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

HICSX (Harbor Convertible Securities Fund) and PCONX (Putnam Convertible Securities Fund) are both Convertible Bonds funds. Over the past 10 years, HICSX returned 9.85%/yr vs 11.23%/yr for PCONX. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. HICSX charges 1.12%/yr vs 1.03%/yr for PCONX.

Performance

HICSX vs. PCONX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Harbor Convertible Securities Fund (HICSX) and Putnam Convertible Securities Fund (PCONX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with HICSX having a 18.04% return and PCONX slightly higher at 18.05%. Over the past 10 years, HICSX has underperformed PCONX with an annualized return of 9.85%, while PCONX has yielded a comparatively higher 11.23% annualized return.

HICSX

• 1D: -0.70%
• 1M: -1.40%
• 6M: 13.04%
• YTD: 18.04%
• 1Y: 30.88%
• 3Y*: 18.34%
• 5Y*: 7.86%
• 10Y*: 9.85%

PCONX

• 1D: -0.65%
• 1M: -1.72%
• 6M: 12.92%
• YTD: 18.05%
• 1Y: 23.84%
• 3Y*: 15.17%
• 5Y*: 5.67%
• 10Y*: 11.23%

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

HICSX vs. PCONX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
HICSX Harbor Convertible Securities Fund	18.04%	19.99%	12.36%	10.37%	-15.55%	2.07%	31.41%	17.89%	-0.65%	7.93%
PCONX Putnam Convertible Securities Fund	18.05%	11.97%	12.60%	10.13%	-19.27%	4.23%	44.86%	24.32%	-2.92%	14.41%

Correlation

The correlation between HICSX and PCONX is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 3, 2011	0.94

The correlation between HICSX and PCONX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

HICSX vs. PCONX — Risk / Return Rank

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

HICSX

HICSX Risk / Return Rank: 80
HICSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
HICSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
HICSX Omega Ratio Rank: 68
HICSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
HICSX Martin Ratio Rank: 93

PCONX

PCONX Risk / Return Rank: 56
PCONX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
PCONX Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
PCONX Omega Ratio Rank: 41
PCONX Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
PCONX Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

HICSX vs. PCONX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Harbor Convertible Securities Fund (HICSX) and Putnam Convertible Securities Fund (PCONX). 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.

	HICSX	PCONX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.97	1.50	+0.46
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.60	2.06	+0.54
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.26	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.42	3.21	+1.21
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.85	9.89	+4.96

HICSX vs. PCONX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HICSX Sharpe Ratio is 1.97, which is higher than the PCONX Sharpe Ratio of 1.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HICSX and PCONX, 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

HICSX vs. PCONX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HICSX drawdown since its inception was -23.68%, smaller than the maximum PCONX drawdown of -47.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HICSX and PCONX.

Drawdown Indicators

	HICSX	PCONX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.68%	-47.70%	+24.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.92%	-7.35%	+0.43%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.24%	-13.41%	+2.17%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.03%	-25.48%	+3.45%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-23.68%	-26.14%	+2.46%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.75%	-4.71%	-0.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.76%	-8.28%	+3.52%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.06%	2.38%	-0.32%

Volatility

HICSX vs. PCONX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Harbor Convertible Securities Fund (HICSX) is 5.21%, while Putnam Convertible Securities Fund (PCONX) has a volatility of 5.84%. This indicates that HICSX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PCONX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HICSX	PCONX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.21%	5.84%	-0.63%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.64%	13.20%	-0.56%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.57%	15.71%	-0.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.69%	12.97%	-1.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.99%	13.16%	-2.17%

HICSX vs. PCONX - Expense Ratio Comparison

HICSX has a 1.12% expense ratio, which is higher than PCONX's 1.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

HICSX vs. PCONX - Dividend Comparison

HICSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.46%, less than PCONX's 4.65% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HICSX Harbor Convertible Securities Fund	1.46%	1.95%	3.22%	2.91%	0.44%	14.09%	9.57%	3.61%	6.45%	10.65%	0.98%	3.95%
PCONX Putnam Convertible Securities Fund	4.65%	6.10%	1.48%	0.99%	0.72%	26.98%	11.62%	7.72%	13.92%	3.48%	2.08%	6.22%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HICSX and PCONX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, HICSX and PCONX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, HICSX or PCONX?

PCONX has higher volatility (5.84%) compared to HICSX (5.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HICSX dropped -23.68% vs PCONX's -47.70%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HICSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.97 vs 1.50), 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.