PCRB vs. VCRB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PCRB (Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF -) and VCRB (Vanguard Core Bond ETF) are both Intermediate Core Bond funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, PCRB returned 4.53% vs 5.60% for VCRB. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PCRB charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for VCRB.

Performance

PCRB vs. VCRB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF - (PCRB) and Vanguard Core Bond ETF (VCRB). 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 VCRB's 0.47% return.

PCRB

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

VCRB

• 1D: -0.18%
• 1M: 0.35%
• YTD: 0.47%
• 6M: 0.34%
• 1Y: 5.60%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PCRB vs. VCRB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
PCRB Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF -	-0.32%	7.21%	1.91%	0.40%
VCRB Vanguard Core Bond ETF	0.47%	7.56%	2.21%	0.65%

Correlation

The correlation between PCRB and VCRB is 0.95, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 15, 2023	0.94

The correlation between PCRB and VCRB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

PCRB vs. VCRB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PCRB	VCRB
Communication Services	11.8%	-
Healthcare	0.4%	-
Financial Services	0.3%	-
Consumer Defensive	0.1%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Energy	-	0.0%
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	0.0%
Technology	-	0.1%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

PCRB vs. VCRB — 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

VCRB

VCRB Risk / Return Rank: 42
VCRB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
VCRB Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
VCRB Omega Ratio Rank: 41
VCRB Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
VCRB Martin Ratio Rank: 39

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. VCRB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF - (PCRB) and Vanguard Core Bond ETF (VCRB). 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	VCRB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.21	1.52	-0.32
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.84	2.27	-0.43
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.27	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.51	2.13	-0.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.90	6.38	-1.48
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. VCRB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PCRB Sharpe Ratio is 1.21, which is comparable to the VCRB Sharpe Ratio of 1.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PCRB and VCRB, 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	VCRB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.21	1.52	-0.32
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.59	0.93	-0.34

Drawdowns

PCRB vs. VCRB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PCRB drawdown since its inception was -7.20%, which is greater than VCRB's maximum drawdown of -4.59%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PCRB and VCRB.

Drawdown Indicators

	PCRB	VCRB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.20%	-4.59%	-2.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.02%	-2.63%	-0.39%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.85%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.18%	-1.40%	-0.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.64%	-1.16%	-0.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.93%	0.88%	+0.05%

Volatility

PCRB vs. VCRB - Volatility Comparison

Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF - (PCRB) has a higher volatility of 1.32% compared to Vanguard Core Bond ETF (VCRB) at 1.18%. This indicates that PCRB's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VCRB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PCRB	VCRB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.32%	1.18%	+0.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.66%	2.60%	+0.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.77%	3.69%	+0.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.63%	4.74%	+0.89%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.63%	4.74%	+0.89%

PCRB vs. VCRB - Expense Ratio Comparison

PCRB has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than VCRB's 0.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

PCRB vs. VCRB - Dividend Comparison

PCRB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.79%, more than VCRB's 4.60% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
PCRB Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF -	9.79%	4.30%	4.38%	3.65%
VCRB Vanguard Core Bond ETF	4.60%	4.55%	4.22%	0.16%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PCRB and VCRB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, PCRB and VCRB 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 is riskier, PCRB or VCRB?

PCRB has higher volatility (1.32%) compared to VCRB (1.18%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PCRB dropped -7.20% vs VCRB's -4.59%.

Which ETF is better, PCRB or VCRB?

On 1-year performance, VCRB leads with 5.60% vs 4.53% for PCRB. On fees, VCRB is cheaper at 0.10% per year. On volatility, VCRB has been the lower-risk option at 1.18%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PCRB or VCRB?

Over the 1-year period, VCRB has performed better with a 5.60% 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 VCRB?

VCRB is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for PCRB.

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

PCRB has the higher dividend yield at 9.79%, compared with 4.60% for VCRB.

What is the main difference between PCRB and VCRB?

They also come from different issuers: Putnam and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for PCRB and 0.10% for VCRB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VCRB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.52 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.