PCRB vs. CRUX

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

PCRB (Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF -) and CRUX (Columbia Core Bond ETF) are both Intermediate Core Bond funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. 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: —
• 1M: —
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CRUX

• 1D: 0.17%
• 1M: -0.41%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 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 -	-1.05%
CRUX Columbia Core Bond ETF	-0.12%

Correlation

The correlation between PCRB and CRUX is 0.77, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 16, 2026	0.77

Return for Risk

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.

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.

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

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	PCRB	CRUX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	—	-1.85%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	—	-1.10%	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	—	-0.59%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PCRB	CRUX	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	4.04%	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	—	4.04%	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	—	4.04%	—

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 has not paid dividends to shareholders, while CRUX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.40%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
CRUX Columbia Core Bond ETF	1.40%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
PCRB Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF -	9.42%	4.30%	4.38%	3.65%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PCRB and CRUX in my portfolio?

PCRB and CRUX have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

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 9.42%, compared with 1.40% 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.