PCRB vs. MAGG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

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

Performance

PCRB vs. MAGG - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

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

PCRB

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

MAGG

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

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

PCRB vs. MAGG - Yearly Performance Comparison

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

Correlation

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

Return for Risk

PCRB vs. MAGG — 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

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

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. MAGG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF - (PCRB) and Madison Aggregate Bond ETF (MAGG). 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	MAGG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.21	1.37	-0.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.84	2.11	-0.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.25	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.51	1.92	-0.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.90	5.88	-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.

PCRB vs. MAGG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PCRB Sharpe Ratio is 1.21, which is comparable to the MAGG Sharpe Ratio of 1.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PCRB and MAGG, 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

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

Drawdowns

PCRB vs. MAGG - Drawdown Comparison

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

Drawdown Indicators

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

Volatility

PCRB vs. MAGG - Volatility Comparison

Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF - (PCRB) has a higher volatility of 1.32% compared to Madison Aggregate Bond ETF (MAGG) at 1.17%. This indicates that PCRB's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MAGG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

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

PCRB vs. MAGG - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

PCRB vs. MAGG - Dividend Comparison

PCRB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.79%, more than MAGG's 4.74% 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 PCRB and MAGG in my portfolio?

PCRB and MAGG 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, PCRB or MAGG?

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

Which ETF is better, PCRB or MAGG?

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, PCRB or MAGG?

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, PCRB or MAGG?

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

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

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

What is the main difference between PCRB and MAGG?

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

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.