PCRB vs. CRUX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PCRB (Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF -) and CRUX (Columbia Core Bond ETF) are both Intermediate Core Bond funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PCRB charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.32%/yr for CRUX.

Performance

PCRB vs. CRUX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

PCRB

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

CRUX

• 1D: -0.13%
• 1M: 0.18%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PCRB vs. CRUX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
PCRB Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF -	-1.24%
CRUX Columbia Core Bond ETF	-0.11%

Correlation

The correlation between PCRB and CRUX is 0.92, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 17, 2026	0.92

Return for Risk

PCRB vs. CRUX — Risk / Return Rank

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

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.

PCRB vs. CRUX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	PCRB	CRUX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.21	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.84	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.51	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.90	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	PCRB	CRUX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.21	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.59	-0.12	+0.71

Drawdowns

PCRB vs. CRUX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PCRB drawdown since its inception was -7.20%, which is greater than CRUX's maximum drawdown of -1.85%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PCRB and CRUX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PCRB	CRUX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.20%	-1.85%	-5.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.02%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.85%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.18%	-0.71%	-1.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.64%	-0.61%	-1.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.93%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PCRB	CRUX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.32%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.66%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.77%	4.32%	-0.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.63%	4.32%	+1.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.63%	4.32%	+1.31%

PCRB vs. CRUX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PCRB has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than CRUX's 0.32% expense ratio.

Dividends

PCRB vs. CRUX - Dividend Comparison

PCRB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.79%, more than CRUX's 1.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
CRUX Columbia Core Bond ETF	1.06%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
PCRB Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF -	9.79%	4.30%	4.38%	3.65%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PCRB and CRUX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, PCRB and CRUX 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 ETF is better, PCRB or CRUX?

On fees, CRUX is cheaper at 0.32% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, PCRB or CRUX?

CRUX is cheaper with a 0.32% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for PCRB.

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

PCRB has the higher dividend yield at 9.79%, compared with 1.06% for CRUX.

What is the main difference between PCRB and CRUX?

They also come from different issuers: Putnam and Columbia Threadneedle. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for PCRB and 0.32% for CRUX.