IQM vs. PBDC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

IQM (Franklin Intelligent Machines ETF) and PBDC (Putnam BDC Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IQM is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Franklin Templeton, while PBDC is a Financials Equities fund actively managed by Franklin Templeton. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, IQM returned 35.52%/yr vs 7.11%/yr for PBDC. At a 0.40 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. IQM charges 0.50%/yr vs 13.49%/yr for PBDC.

Performance

IQM vs. PBDC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin Intelligent Machines ETF (IQM) 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, IQM achieves a 35.15% return, which is significantly higher than PBDC's -11.42% return.

IQM

• 1D: -6.20%
• 1M: 3.59%
• YTD: 35.15%
• 6M: 31.71%
• 1Y: 66.07%
• 3Y*: 35.52%
• 5Y*: 20.13%
• 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)

IQM vs. PBDC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
IQM Franklin Intelligent Machines ETF	35.15%	30.76%	31.03%	41.06%	5.82%
PBDC Putnam BDC Income ETF	-11.42%	-1.77%	19.43%	30.52%	10.38%

Correlation

The correlation between IQM and PBDC is 0.28, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.28
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.33
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 30, 2022	0.40

The correlation between IQM and PBDC shifts across timeframes, from 0.28 (1 year) to 0.40 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

IQM vs. PBDC — Risk / Return Rank

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

IQM

IQM Risk / Return Rank: 70
IQM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
IQM Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
IQM Omega Ratio Rank: 61
IQM Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
IQM Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

IQM vs. PBDC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Intelligent Machines ETF (IQM) 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.

	IQM	PBDC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.11	-0.61	+2.72
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.52	-0.76	+3.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	0.91	+0.44
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.52	-0.56	+5.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.13	-0.98	+15.11

IQM vs. PBDC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IQM Sharpe Ratio is 2.11, which is higher than the PBDC Sharpe Ratio of -0.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IQM 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

IQM vs. PBDC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IQM drawdown since its inception was -44.91%, which is greater than PBDC's maximum drawdown of -20.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IQM and PBDC.

Drawdown Indicators

	IQM	PBDC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.91%	-20.47%	-24.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.71%	-20.15%	+5.44%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-30.42%	-20.47%	-9.95%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-44.91%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.20%	-18.74%	+12.54%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.18%	-4.83%	-7.35%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.69%	11.58%	-6.89%

Volatility

IQM vs. PBDC - Volatility Comparison

Franklin Intelligent Machines ETF (IQM) has a higher volatility of 15.34% compared to Putnam BDC Income ETF (PBDC) at 5.50%. This indicates that IQM'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

	IQM	PBDC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	15.34%	5.50%	+9.84%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	26.16%	15.43%	+10.73%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	31.47%	18.66%	+12.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.56%	17.05%	+12.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	31.10%	17.05%	+14.05%

IQM vs. PBDC - Expense Ratio Comparison

IQM has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than PBDC's 13.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

IQM vs. PBDC - Dividend Comparison

IQM has not paid dividends to shareholders, while PBDC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 11.91%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
IQM Franklin Intelligent Machines ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.17%	0.01%
PBDC Putnam BDC Income ETF	11.91%	10.53%	9.29%	9.86%	3.40%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IQM and PBDC in my portfolio?

IQM and PBDC have a correlation of 0.28, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IQM or PBDC?

IQM has higher volatility (15.34%) compared to PBDC (5.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IQM dropped -44.91% vs PBDC's -20.47%.

Which ETF is better, IQM or PBDC?

On 3-year performance, IQM leads with 35.52% vs 7.11% for PBDC. On fees, IQM is cheaper at 0.50% 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, IQM or PBDC?

Over the 3-year period, IQM has performed better with a 35.52% return vs 7.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IQM or PBDC?

IQM is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 13.49% for PBDC.

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

PBDC has the higher dividend yield at 11.91%, compared with 0.00% for IQM.

What is the main difference between IQM and PBDC?

IQM is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while PBDC is Financials Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for IQM and 13.49% for PBDC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IQM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.11 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.