PDBZX vs. GIBIX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PDBZX (PGIM Total Return Bond Fund Class Z) and GIBIX (Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund) are both Intermediate Core-Plus Bond funds. Over the past 10 years, PDBZX returned 2.88%/yr vs 2.85%/yr for GIBIX. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PDBZX charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for GIBIX.

Performance

PDBZX vs. GIBIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM Total Return Bond Fund Class Z (PDBZX) and Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund (GIBIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PDBZX achieves a 0.72% return, which is significantly higher than GIBIX's 0.59% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with PDBZX having a 2.88% annualized return and GIBIX not far behind at 2.85%.

PDBZX

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: 0.58%
• YTD: 0.72%
• 6M: 0.68%
• 1Y: 6.24%
• 3Y*: 5.37%
• 5Y*: 0.93%
• 10Y*: 2.88%

GIBIX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.47%
• YTD: 0.59%
• 6M: 0.57%
• 1Y: 6.21%
• 3Y*: 5.35%
• 5Y*: 0.58%
• 10Y*: 2.85%

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

PDBZX vs. GIBIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PDBZX PGIM Total Return Bond Fund Class Z	0.72%	7.70%	2.87%	7.70%	-14.33%	-1.46%	8.01%	14.76%	-0.72%	6.60%
GIBIX Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund	0.59%	8.22%	3.18%	7.45%	-16.38%	-0.58%	14.94%	4.45%	0.89%	6.50%

Correlation

The correlation between PDBZX and GIBIX is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 2012	0.92

The correlation between PDBZX and GIBIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PDBZX vs. GIBIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PDBZX

PDBZX Risk / Return Rank: 27
PDBZX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
PDBZX Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
PDBZX Omega Ratio Rank: 27
PDBZX Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
PDBZX Martin Ratio Rank: 25

GIBIX

GIBIX Risk / Return Rank: 30
GIBIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
GIBIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
GIBIX Omega Ratio Rank: 29
GIBIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
GIBIX Martin Ratio Rank: 27

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.

PDBZX vs. GIBIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM Total Return Bond Fund Class Z (PDBZX) and Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund (GIBIX). 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.

	PDBZX	GIBIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.44	1.58	-0.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.18	2.40	-0.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.28	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.09	2.09	0.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.21	6.55	-0.34
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PDBZX vs. GIBIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PDBZX Sharpe Ratio is 1.44, which is comparable to the GIBIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.58. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PDBZX and GIBIX, 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

	PDBZX	GIBIX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.44	1.58	-0.14
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.15	0.10	+0.05
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.54	0.60	-0.06
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.09	0.92	+0.17

Drawdowns

PDBZX vs. GIBIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PDBZX drawdown since its inception was -20.88%, roughly equal to the maximum GIBIX drawdown of -21.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PDBZX and GIBIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PDBZX	GIBIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.88%	-21.44%	+0.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.00%	-2.99%	-0.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.51%	-5.93%	+0.42%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.81%	-21.44%	+0.63%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-20.88%	-21.44%	+0.56%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.29%	-1.21%	-0.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.31%	-3.42%	+1.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.01%	0.95%	+0.06%

Volatility

PDBZX vs. GIBIX - Volatility Comparison

PGIM Total Return Bond Fund Class Z (PDBZX) has a higher volatility of 2.08% compared to Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund (GIBIX) at 1.45%. This indicates that PDBZX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GIBIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PDBZX	GIBIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.08%	1.45%	+0.63%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.30%	2.91%	+0.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.35%	3.97%	+0.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.05%	5.83%	+0.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.37%	4.77%	+0.60%

PDBZX vs. GIBIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PDBZX has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is lower than GIBIX's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

PDBZX vs. GIBIX - Dividend Comparison

PDBZX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.57%, less than GIBIX's 5.09% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GIBIX Guggenheim Total Return Bond Fund	5.09%	5.03%	4.71%	4.44%	3.08%	3.36%	4.80%	2.38%	3.25%	3.38%	4.68%	4.39%
PDBZX PGIM Total Return Bond Fund Class Z	4.57%	4.54%	4.79%	4.60%	5.73%	2.73%	2.94%	10.36%	4.01%	2.87%	3.92%	3.33%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PDBZX and GIBIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, PDBZX and GIBIX 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, PDBZX or GIBIX?

PDBZX has higher volatility (2.08%) compared to GIBIX (1.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PDBZX dropped -20.88% vs GIBIX's -21.44%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GIBIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.58 vs 1.44), 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.