PBL vs. GYLD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PBL (PGIM Portfolio Ballast ETF) and GYLD (Arrow Dow Jones Global Yield ETF) are both Diversified Portfolio funds. PBL is actively managed, while GYLD is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, PBL returned 15.09%/yr vs 15.50%/yr for GYLD. At a 0.28 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. PBL charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for GYLD.

Performance

PBL vs. GYLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM Portfolio Ballast ETF (PBL) and Arrow Dow Jones Global Yield ETF (GYLD). 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 PBL having a 7.85% return and GYLD slightly higher at 7.91%.

PBL

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: 4.07%
• YTD: 7.85%
• 6M: 8.56%
• 1Y: 19.49%
• 3Y*: 15.09%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GYLD

• 1D: -0.42%
• 1M: -0.76%
• YTD: 7.91%
• 6M: 10.25%
• 1Y: 15.94%
• 3Y*: 15.50%
• 5Y*: 6.21%
• 10Y*: 4.68%

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

PBL vs. GYLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
PBL PGIM Portfolio Ballast ETF	7.85%	12.35%	16.70%	14.28%	-3.52%
GYLD Arrow Dow Jones Global Yield ETF	7.91%	19.85%	3.83%	10.36%	-1.63%

Correlation

The correlation between PBL and GYLD is 0.19, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.19
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.22
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 15, 2022	0.28

Return for Risk

PBL vs. GYLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

PBL

PBL Risk / Return Rank: 68
PBL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
PBL Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
PBL Omega Ratio Rank: 64
PBL Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
PBL Martin Ratio Rank: 72

GYLD

GYLD Risk / Return Rank: 45
GYLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
GYLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
GYLD Omega Ratio Rank: 35
GYLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
GYLD Martin Ratio Rank: 54

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.

PBL vs. GYLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM Portfolio Ballast ETF (PBL) and Arrow Dow Jones Global Yield ETF (GYLD). 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.

	PBL	GYLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.21	1.26	+0.95
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.10	1.86	+1.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.23	+0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.37	3.29	+0.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.56	9.19	+4.37
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PBL vs. GYLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PBL Sharpe Ratio is 2.21, which is higher than the GYLD Sharpe Ratio of 1.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PBL and GYLD, 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

	PBL	GYLD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.21	1.26	+0.95
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.45	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.28	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.40	0.21	+1.19

Drawdowns

PBL vs. GYLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PBL drawdown since its inception was -11.69%, smaller than the maximum GYLD drawdown of -55.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PBL and GYLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	PBL	GYLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.69%	-55.03%	+43.34%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.82%	-4.86%	-0.96%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.69%	-8.37%	-3.32%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-20.24%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-47.89%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.21%	-1.71%	+1.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.65%	-14.41%	+12.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.44%	1.74%	-0.30%

Volatility

PBL vs. GYLD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for PGIM Portfolio Ballast ETF (PBL) is 2.51%, while Arrow Dow Jones Global Yield ETF (GYLD) has a volatility of 3.16%. This indicates that PBL experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GYLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PBL	GYLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.51%	3.16%	-0.65%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.56%	9.39%	-2.83%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.87%	12.78%	-3.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.83%	13.79%	-3.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.83%	16.58%	-6.75%

PBL vs. GYLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

PBL has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than GYLD's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

PBL vs. GYLD - Dividend Comparison

PBL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.05%, less than GYLD's 7.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GYLD Arrow Dow Jones Global Yield ETF	7.37%	8.43%	12.90%	7.13%	4.64%	5.50%	7.42%	5.83%	8.17%	6.78%	7.29%	10.35%
PBL PGIM Portfolio Ballast ETF	2.05%	2.21%	6.89%	7.92%	0.16%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PBL and GYLD in my portfolio?

PBL and GYLD have a correlation of 0.19, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PBL or GYLD?

GYLD has higher volatility (3.16%) compared to PBL (2.51%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PBL dropped -11.69% vs GYLD's -55.03%.

Which ETF is better, PBL or GYLD?

On 3-year performance, GYLD leads with 15.50% vs 15.09% for PBL. On fees, PBL is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, PBL has been the lower-risk option at 2.51%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PBL or GYLD?

Over the 3-year period, GYLD has performed better with a 15.50% return vs 15.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PBL or GYLD?

PBL is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for GYLD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PBL or GYLD?

GYLD has the higher dividend yield at 7.37%, compared with 2.05% for PBL.

What is the main difference between PBL and GYLD?

They also come from different issuers: PGIM and Arrow Funds. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for PBL and 0.75% for GYLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PBL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.21 vs 1.26), 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.