PCRB vs. PPEM

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

PCRB (Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF -) and PPEM (Putnam Panagora ESG Emerging Markets Equity ETF -) are both exchange-traded funds - PCRB is a Intermediate Core Bond fund actively managed by Putnam, while PPEM is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. PCRB is actively managed, while PPEM is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, PCRB returned 4.11%/yr vs 24.99%/yr for PPEM. At a 0.17 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. PCRB charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.61%/yr for PPEM.

Performance

PCRB vs. PPEM - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PCRB achieves a -0.48% return, which is significantly lower than PPEM's 31.88% return.

PCRB

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: 0.05%
• YTD: -0.48%
• 6M: -0.46%
• 1Y: 3.52%
• 3Y*: 4.11%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PPEM

• 1D: 0.56%
• 1M: 4.33%
• YTD: 31.88%
• 6M: 34.07%
• 1Y: 55.67%
• 3Y*: 24.99%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PCRB vs. PPEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
PCRB Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF -	-0.48%	7.21%	1.91%	2.40%
PPEM Putnam Panagora ESG Emerging Markets Equity ETF -	31.88%	35.39%	7.50%	0.19%

Correlation

The correlation between PCRB and PPEM is 0.25, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.25
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.20
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 20, 2023	0.17

Return for Risk

PCRB vs. PPEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

PCRB

PCRB Risk / Return Rank: 32
PCRB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
PCRB Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
PCRB Omega Ratio Rank: 31
PCRB Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
PCRB Martin Ratio Rank: 32

PPEM

PPEM Risk / Return Rank: 81
PPEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
PPEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
PPEM Omega Ratio Rank: 85
PPEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
PPEM Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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. PPEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF - (PCRB) and Putnam Panagora ESG Emerging Markets Equity ETF - (PPEM). 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	PPEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.17	2.62	-1.45
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.78	3.48	-1.70
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.49	-0.29
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.44	3.64	-2.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.47	14.57	-10.11

PCRB vs. PPEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PCRB Sharpe Ratio is 1.17, which is lower than the PPEM Sharpe Ratio of 2.62. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PCRB and PPEM, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

PCRB vs. PPEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PCRB drawdown since its inception was -7.20%, smaller than the maximum PPEM drawdown of -18.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PCRB and PPEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	PCRB	PPEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.20%	-18.44%	+11.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.02%	-15.28%	+12.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.85%	-18.44%	+12.59%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.34%	-1.80%	-0.54%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.65%	-4.19%	+2.54%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.97%	3.81%	-2.84%

Volatility

PCRB vs. PPEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF - (PCRB) is 1.24%, while Putnam Panagora ESG Emerging Markets Equity ETF - (PPEM) has a volatility of 7.94%. This indicates that PCRB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PPEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PCRB	PPEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.24%	7.94%	-6.70%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.69%	18.76%	-16.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.72%	21.24%	-17.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.62%	18.26%	-12.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.62%	18.26%	-12.64%

PCRB vs. PPEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

PCRB has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than PPEM's 0.61% expense ratio.

Dividends

PCRB vs. PPEM - Dividend Comparison

PCRB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.81%, less than PPEM's 49.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
PCRB Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF -	9.81%	4.30%	4.38%	3.65%
PPEM Putnam Panagora ESG Emerging Markets Equity ETF -	49.06%	6.05%	3.27%	1.94%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PCRB and PPEM in my portfolio?

PCRB and PPEM have a correlation of 0.25, 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 PPEM?

PPEM has higher volatility (7.94%) compared to PCRB (1.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PCRB dropped -7.20% vs PPEM's -18.44%.

Which ETF is better, PCRB or PPEM?

On 3-year performance, PPEM leads with 24.99% vs 4.11% for PCRB. On fees, PCRB is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, PCRB has been the lower-risk option at 1.24%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PCRB or PPEM?

Over the 3-year period, PPEM has performed better with a 24.99% return vs 4.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PCRB or PPEM?

PCRB is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.61% for PPEM.

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

PPEM has the higher dividend yield at 49.06%, compared with 9.81% for PCRB.

What is the main difference between PCRB and PPEM?

PCRB is categorized as Intermediate Core Bond, while PPEM is Emerging Markets Diversified. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for PCRB and 0.61% for PPEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PPEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.62 vs 1.17), 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.