PCRB vs. PEMX

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

PCRB (Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF -) and PEMX (Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PCRB is a Intermediate Core Bond fund actively managed by Putnam, while PEMX is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund actively managed by Putnam. Both are actively managed. At a 0.19 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. PCRB charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for PEMX.

Performance

PCRB vs. PEMX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

PCRB

• 1D: —
• 1M: —
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PEMX

• 1D: 1.58%
• 1M: -3.23%
• 6M: 26.64%
• YTD: 32.61%
• 1Y: 54.70%
• 3Y*: 29.79%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PCRB vs. PEMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
PCRB Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF -	-0.48%	7.21%	1.91%	3.14%
PEMX Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	32.61%	34.01%	17.21%	15.13%

Correlation

The correlation between PCRB and PEMX is 0.24, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.24
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.20
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 18, 2023	0.19

Return for Risk

PCRB vs. PEMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PCRB

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

PEMX

PEMX Risk / Return Rank: 81
PEMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
PEMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
PEMX Omega Ratio Rank: 81
PEMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
PEMX Martin Ratio Rank: 84

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. PEMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF - (PCRB) and Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (PEMX). 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.

	PCRB	PEMX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.11	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.62	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.38	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	3.81	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	13.06	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	PCRB	PEMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	—	-14.91%	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-14.45%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-14.91%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	—	-10.31%	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	—	-2.93%	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.20%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PCRB	PEMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	12.25%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	24.12%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	26.06%	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	—	19.87%	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	—	19.87%	—

PCRB vs. PEMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PCRB has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than PEMX's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

PCRB vs. PEMX - Dividend Comparison

PCRB has not paid dividends to shareholders, while PEMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.28%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
PCRB Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF -	9.42%	4.30%	4.38%	3.65%
PEMX Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	5.28%	7.00%	5.00%	0.72%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PCRB and PEMX in my portfolio?

PCRB and PEMX have a correlation of 0.24, 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 PEMX?

On fees, PCRB is cheaper at 0.35% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, PCRB or PEMX?

PCRB is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for PEMX.

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

PCRB has the higher dividend yield at 9.42%, compared with 5.28% for PEMX.

What is the main difference between PCRB and PEMX?

PCRB is categorized as Intermediate Core Bond, while PEMX is Emerging Markets Diversified. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for PCRB and 0.85% for PEMX.