PHYL vs. PHYD

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

PHYL (PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF) and PHYD (Putnam ESG High Yield ETF -) are both High Yield Bonds funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, PHYL returned 9.36%/yr vs 8.72%/yr for PHYD. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PHYL charges 0.53%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for PHYD.

Performance

PHYL vs. PHYD - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PHYL achieves a 1.84% return, which is significantly lower than PHYD's 2.32% return.

PHYL

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 0.35%
• YTD: 1.84%
• 6M: 1.86%
• 1Y: 6.40%
• 3Y*: 9.36%
• 5Y*: 4.04%
• 10Y*: —

PHYD

• 1D: 0.17%
• 1M: -0.52%
• YTD: 2.32%
• 6M: 2.40%
• 1Y: 6.95%
• 3Y*: 8.72%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PHYL vs. PHYD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
PHYL PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF	1.84%	9.65%	8.45%	8.49%
PHYD Putnam ESG High Yield ETF -	2.32%	8.84%	7.35%	8.30%

Correlation

The correlation between PHYL and PHYD is 0.79, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.79
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 20, 2023	0.82

The correlation between PHYL and PHYD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.82 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PHYL vs. PHYD — Risk / Return Rank

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

PHYL

PHYL Risk / Return Rank: 68
PHYL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
PHYL Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
PHYL Omega Ratio Rank: 75
PHYL Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
PHYL Martin Ratio Rank: 69

PHYD

PHYD Risk / Return Rank: 84
PHYD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
PHYD Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
PHYD Omega Ratio Rank: 87
PHYD Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
PHYD Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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.

PHYL vs. PHYD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	PHYL	PHYD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.93	2.28	-0.36
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.85	3.62	-0.77
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.46	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.40	3.66	-1.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.90	14.79	-3.89

PHYL vs. PHYD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PHYL Sharpe Ratio is 1.93, which is comparable to the PHYD Sharpe Ratio of 2.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PHYL and PHYD, 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

PHYL vs. PHYD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PHYL drawdown since its inception was -22.07%, which is greater than PHYD's maximum drawdown of -4.33%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PHYL and PHYD.

Drawdown Indicators

	PHYL	PHYD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.07%	-4.33%	-17.74%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.68%	-2.10%	-0.58%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.53%	-4.14%	-0.39%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.11%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.07%	-0.79%	+0.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.04%	-0.62%	-2.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.59%	0.52%	+0.07%

Volatility

PHYL vs. PHYD - Volatility Comparison

PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF (PHYL) and Putnam ESG High Yield ETF - (PHYD) have volatilities of 1.04% and 1.07%, 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

	PHYL	PHYD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.04%	1.07%	-0.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.73%	2.57%	+0.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.33%	3.36%	-0.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.70%	4.58%	+1.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.63%	4.58%	+3.05%

PHYL vs. PHYD - Expense Ratio Comparison

PHYL has a 0.53% expense ratio, which is lower than PHYD's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

PHYL vs. PHYD - Dividend Comparison

PHYL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.97%, less than PHYD's 8.52% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
PHYD Putnam ESG High Yield ETF -	8.52%	6.63%	6.80%	6.15%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
PHYL PGIM Active High Yield Bond ETF	6.97%	7.05%	8.28%	7.62%	6.55%	6.13%	7.51%	7.31%	1.79%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PHYL and PHYD in my portfolio?

PHYL and PHYD have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PHYL or PHYD?

PHYD has higher volatility (1.07%) compared to PHYL (1.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PHYL dropped -22.07% vs PHYD's -4.33%.

Which ETF is better, PHYL or PHYD?

On 3-year performance, PHYL leads with 9.36% vs 8.72% for PHYD. On fees, PHYL is cheaper at 0.53% 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, PHYL or PHYD?

Over the 3-year period, PHYL has performed better with a 9.36% return vs 8.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PHYL or PHYD?

PHYL is cheaper with a 0.53% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for PHYD.

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

PHYD has the higher dividend yield at 8.52%, compared with 6.97% for PHYL.

What is the main difference between PHYL and PHYD?

They also come from different issuers: Prudential and Putnam. Their fees differ too: 0.53% for PHYL and 0.55% for PHYD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PHYD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.28 vs 1.93), 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.