PEMX vs. PCRB

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

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

Performance

PEMX vs. PCRB - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

PEMX

• 1D: -2.57%
• 1M: -8.61%
• 6M: 21.08%
• YTD: 28.43%
• 1Y: 48.15%
• 3Y*: 28.35%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PCRB

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

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

PEMX vs. PCRB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
PEMX Putnam Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF	28.43%	34.01%	17.21%	15.13%
PCRB Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF -	-0.48%	7.21%	1.91%	3.14%

Correlation

The correlation between PEMX and PCRB 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

PEMX vs. PCRB — Risk / Return Rank

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

PEMX

PEMX Risk / Return Rank: 73
PEMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
PEMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
PEMX Omega Ratio Rank: 71
PEMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
PEMX Martin Ratio Rank: 76

PCRB

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

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.

PEMX vs. PCRB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	PEMX	PCRB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.85	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.35	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.35	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.14	—	—

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	PEMX	PCRB	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	-13.13%	—	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.95%	—	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.33%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PEMX	PCRB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.69%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.28%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.21%	—	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.91%	—	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.91%	—	—

PEMX vs. PCRB - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

PEMX vs. PCRB - Dividend Comparison

PEMX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.45%, while PCRB has not paid dividends to shareholders.

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	5.45%	7.00%	5.00%	0.72%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PEMX and PCRB in my portfolio?

PEMX and PCRB 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, PEMX or PCRB?

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, PEMX or PCRB?

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

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

PCRB has the higher dividend yield at 9.42%, compared with 5.45% for PEMX.

What is the main difference between PEMX and PCRB?

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