PHYD vs. SCYB

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

PHYD (Putnam ESG High Yield ETF -) and SCYB (Schwab High Yield Bond ETF) are both High Yield Bonds funds. PHYD is actively managed, while SCYB is passively managed. Over the past year, PHYD returned 7.97% vs 7.03% for SCYB. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PHYD charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for SCYB.

Performance

PHYD vs. SCYB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Putnam ESG High Yield ETF - (PHYD) and Schwab High Yield Bond ETF (SCYB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PHYD achieves a 2.49% return, which is significantly higher than SCYB's 1.76% return.

PHYD

• 1D: 0.32%
• 1M: -0.14%
• YTD: 2.49%
• 6M: 3.00%
• 1Y: 7.97%
• 3Y*: 8.82%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SCYB

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: 0.46%
• YTD: 1.76%
• 6M: 1.99%
• 1Y: 7.03%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PHYD vs. SCYB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
PHYD Putnam ESG High Yield ETF -	2.49%	8.84%	7.35%	7.14%
SCYB Schwab High Yield Bond ETF	1.76%	8.33%	8.15%	6.74%

Correlation

The correlation between PHYD and SCYB is 0.82, 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	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 12, 2023	0.82

The correlation between PHYD and SCYB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.82 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PHYD vs. SCYB — Risk / Return Rank

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

PHYD

PHYD Risk / Return Rank: 80
PHYD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
PHYD Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
PHYD Omega Ratio Rank: 82
PHYD Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
PHYD Martin Ratio Rank: 81

SCYB

SCYB Risk / Return Rank: 62
SCYB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
SCYB Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
SCYB Omega Ratio Rank: 62
SCYB Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
SCYB Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

PHYD vs. SCYB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Putnam ESG High Yield ETF - (PHYD) and Schwab High Yield Bond ETF (SCYB). 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.

	PHYD	SCYB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.39	1.89	+0.50
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.80	2.83	+0.97
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.49	1.37	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.82	2.89	+0.93
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.70	12.95	+2.75
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PHYD vs. SCYB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PHYD Sharpe Ratio is 2.39, which is comparable to the SCYB Sharpe Ratio of 1.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PHYD and SCYB, 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

	PHYD	SCYB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.39	1.89	+0.50
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.74	1.70	+0.04

Drawdowns

PHYD vs. SCYB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PHYD drawdown since its inception was -4.33%, smaller than the maximum SCYB drawdown of -4.92%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PHYD and SCYB.

Drawdown Indicators

	PHYD	SCYB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.33%	-4.92%	+0.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.10%	-2.44%	+0.34%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.14%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.62%	-0.12%	-0.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.62%	-0.52%	-0.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.51%	0.54%	-0.03%

Volatility

PHYD vs. SCYB - Volatility Comparison

Putnam ESG High Yield ETF - (PHYD) and Schwab High Yield Bond ETF (SCYB) have volatilities of 1.07% and 1.09%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PHYD	SCYB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.07%	1.09%	-0.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.56%	2.94%	-0.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.35%	3.75%	-0.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.59%	5.13%	-0.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.59%	5.13%	-0.54%

PHYD vs. SCYB - Expense Ratio Comparison

PHYD has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than SCYB's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

PHYD vs. SCYB - Dividend Comparison

PHYD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.02%, more than SCYB's 6.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
PHYD Putnam ESG High Yield ETF -	9.02%	6.63%	6.80%	6.15%
SCYB Schwab High Yield Bond ETF	6.92%	6.99%	7.06%	3.36%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PHYD and SCYB in my portfolio?

PHYD and SCYB have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PHYD or SCYB?

SCYB has higher volatility (1.09%) compared to PHYD (1.07%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PHYD dropped -4.33% vs SCYB's -4.92%.

Which ETF is better, PHYD or SCYB?

On 1-year performance, PHYD leads with 7.97% vs 7.03% for SCYB. On fees, SCYB is cheaper at 0.03% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PHYD or SCYB?

Over the 1-year period, PHYD has performed better with a 7.97% return vs 7.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PHYD or SCYB?

SCYB is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for PHYD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PHYD or SCYB?

PHYD has the higher dividend yield at 9.02%, compared with 6.92% for SCYB.

What is the main difference between PHYD and SCYB?

They also come from different issuers: Putnam and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for PHYD and 0.03% for SCYB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PHYD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.39 vs 1.89), 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.