MAGG vs. PCRB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MAGG (Madison Aggregate Bond ETF) and PCRB (Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF -) are both Intermediate Core Bond funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, MAGG returned 5.46% vs 4.53% for PCRB. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MAGG charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for PCRB.

Performance

MAGG vs. PCRB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Madison Aggregate Bond ETF (MAGG) and Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF - (PCRB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MAGG achieves a 0.15% return, which is significantly higher than PCRB's -0.32% return.

MAGG

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 0.24%
• YTD: 0.15%
• 6M: 0.22%
• 1Y: 5.46%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PCRB

• 1D: -0.13%
• 1M: -0.22%
• YTD: -0.32%
• 6M: -0.43%
• 1Y: 4.53%
• 3Y*: 4.09%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

MAGG vs. PCRB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
MAGG Madison Aggregate Bond ETF	0.15%	7.28%	1.81%	4.42%
PCRB Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF -	-0.32%	7.21%	1.91%	4.46%

Correlation

The correlation between MAGG and PCRB is 0.75, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 30, 2023	0.87

The correlation between MAGG and PCRB shifts across timeframes, from 0.75 (1 year) to 0.87 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

MAGG vs. PCRB — Risk / Return Rank

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

MAGG

MAGG Risk / Return Rank: 40
MAGG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
MAGG Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
MAGG Omega Ratio Rank: 40
MAGG Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
MAGG Martin Ratio Rank: 38

PCRB

PCRB Risk / Return Rank: 33
PCRB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
PCRB Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
PCRB Omega Ratio Rank: 31
PCRB Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
PCRB Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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.

MAGG vs. PCRB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Madison Aggregate Bond ETF (MAGG) and Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF - (PCRB). 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.

	MAGG	PCRB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.37	1.21	+0.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.11	1.84	+0.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.21	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.92	1.51	+0.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.88	4.90	+0.97
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MAGG vs. PCRB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MAGG Sharpe Ratio is 1.37, which is comparable to the PCRB Sharpe Ratio of 1.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MAGG and PCRB, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	MAGG	PCRB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.37	1.21	+0.17
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.05	0.59	+0.46

Drawdowns

MAGG vs. PCRB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MAGG drawdown since its inception was -4.56%, smaller than the maximum PCRB drawdown of -7.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MAGG and PCRB.

Drawdown Indicators

	MAGG	PCRB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.56%	-7.20%	+2.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.86%	-3.02%	+0.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-5.85%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.52%	-2.18%	+0.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.25%	-1.64%	+0.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.93%	0.93%	0.00%

Volatility

MAGG vs. PCRB - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Madison Aggregate Bond ETF (MAGG) is 1.17%, while Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF - (PCRB) has a volatility of 1.32%. This indicates that MAGG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PCRB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MAGG	PCRB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.17%	1.32%	-0.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.58%	2.66%	-0.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.99%	3.77%	+0.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.75%	5.63%	-0.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.75%	5.63%	-0.88%

MAGG vs. PCRB - Expense Ratio Comparison

MAGG has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than PCRB's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

MAGG vs. PCRB - Dividend Comparison

MAGG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.74%, less than PCRB's 9.79% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
MAGG Madison Aggregate Bond ETF	4.74%	4.80%	5.13%	1.49%
PCRB Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF -	9.79%	4.30%	4.38%	3.65%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MAGG and PCRB in my portfolio?

MAGG and PCRB have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MAGG or PCRB?

PCRB has higher volatility (1.32%) compared to MAGG (1.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MAGG dropped -4.56% vs PCRB's -7.20%.

Which ETF is better, MAGG or PCRB?

On 1-year performance, MAGG leads with 5.46% vs 4.53% for PCRB. On fees, PCRB is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, MAGG has been the lower-risk option at 1.17%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MAGG or PCRB?

Over the 1-year period, MAGG has performed better with a 5.46% return vs 4.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MAGG or PCRB?

PCRB is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for MAGG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MAGG or PCRB?

PCRB has the higher dividend yield at 9.79%, compared with 4.74% for MAGG.

What is the main difference between MAGG and PCRB?

They also come from different issuers: Madison and Putnam. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for MAGG and 0.35% for PCRB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MAGG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.37 vs 1.21), 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.