PCL vs. PBFR

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PCL (PGIM Corporate Bond 10+ Year ETF) and PBFR (PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PCL is a Corporate Bonds fund actively managed by PGIM, while PBFR is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by PGIM. Both are actively managed. At a 0.45 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. PCL charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for PBFR.

Performance

PCL vs. PBFR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM Corporate Bond 10+ Year ETF (PCL) and PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF (PBFR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PCL achieves a 2.06% return, which is significantly lower than PBFR's 4.21% return.

PCL

• 1D: 0.18%
• 1M: 1.57%
• YTD: 2.06%
• 6M: 1.90%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PBFR

• 1D: -0.23%
• 1M: 0.07%
• YTD: 4.21%
• 6M: 4.15%
• 1Y: 11.76%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PCL vs. PBFR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PCL PGIM Corporate Bond 10+ Year ETF	2.06%	2.51%
PBFR PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF	4.21%	4.69%

Correlation

The correlation between PCL and PBFR is 0.45, 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 Aug 1, 2025	0.45

Return for Risk

PCL vs. PBFR — Risk / Return Rank

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

PCL

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

PBFR

PBFR Risk / Return Rank: 89
PBFR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
PBFR Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
PBFR Omega Ratio Rank: 93
PBFR Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
PBFR Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

PCL vs. PBFR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM Corporate Bond 10+ Year ETF (PCL) and PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF (PBFR). 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.

	PCL	PBFR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.73	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.95	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.59	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	4.19	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	21.70	—

Drawdowns

PCL vs. PBFR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PCL drawdown since its inception was -5.14%, smaller than the maximum PBFR drawdown of -8.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PCL and PBFR.

Drawdown Indicators

	PCL	PBFR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.14%	-8.50%	+3.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-2.82%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.91%	-0.52%	-0.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.73%	-0.63%	-1.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.54%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PCL	PBFR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.30%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	3.51%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.83%	4.35%	+3.48%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.83%	6.85%	+0.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.83%	6.85%	+0.98%

PCL vs. PBFR - Expense Ratio Comparison

PCL has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than PBFR's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

PCL vs. PBFR - Dividend Comparison

PCL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.27%, more than PBFR's 0.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
PBFR PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%
PCL PGIM Corporate Bond 10+ Year ETF	5.27%	2.52%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PCL and PBFR in my portfolio?

PCL and PBFR have a correlation of 0.45, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, PCL or PBFR?

On fees, PCL is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, PCL or PBFR?

PCL is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for PBFR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PCL or PBFR?

PCL has the higher dividend yield at 5.27%, compared with 0.01% for PBFR.

What is the main difference between PCL and PBFR?

PCL is categorized as Corporate Bonds, while PBFR is Defined Outcome. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for PCL and 0.50% for PBFR.