PPEM vs. PBDC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PPEM (Putnam Panagora ESG Emerging Markets Equity ETF -) and PBDC (Putnam BDC Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PPEM is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, while PBDC is a Financials Equities fund actively managed by Franklin Templeton. PPEM is passively managed, while PBDC is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, PPEM returned 24.99%/yr vs 7.11%/yr for PBDC. At a 0.32 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. PPEM charges 0.61%/yr vs 13.49%/yr for PBDC.

Performance

PPEM vs. PBDC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Putnam Panagora ESG Emerging Markets Equity ETF - (PPEM) and Putnam BDC Income ETF (PBDC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PPEM achieves a 31.88% return, which is significantly higher than PBDC's -11.42% return.

PPEM

• 1D: 0.56%
• 1M: 4.33%
• YTD: 31.88%
• 6M: 33.23%
• 1Y: 55.34%
• 3Y*: 24.99%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PBDC

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: -1.31%
• YTD: -11.42%
• 6M: -9.25%
• 1Y: -11.33%
• 3Y*: 7.11%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PPEM vs. PBDC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
PPEM Putnam Panagora ESG Emerging Markets Equity ETF -	31.88%	35.39%	7.50%	0.19%
PBDC Putnam BDC Income ETF	-11.42%	-1.77%	19.43%	23.70%

Correlation

The correlation between PPEM and PBDC is 0.28, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.28
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.32
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 20, 2023	0.32

Return for Risk

PPEM vs. PBDC — Risk / Return Rank

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

PPEM

PPEM Risk / Return Rank: 83
PPEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
PPEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
PPEM Omega Ratio Rank: 87
PPEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
PPEM Martin Ratio Rank: 80

PBDC

PBDC Risk / Return Rank: 4
PBDC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
PBDC Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
PBDC Omega Ratio Rank: 4
PBDC Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
PBDC Martin Ratio Rank: 4

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.

PPEM vs. PBDC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Putnam Panagora ESG Emerging Markets Equity ETF - (PPEM) and Putnam BDC Income ETF (PBDC). 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.

	PPEM	PBDC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.62	-0.61	+3.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.48	-0.76	+4.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.49	0.91	+0.58
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.64	-0.56	+4.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.57	-0.98	+15.55

PPEM vs. PBDC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PPEM Sharpe Ratio is 2.62, which is higher than the PBDC Sharpe Ratio of -0.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PPEM and PBDC, 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

PPEM vs. PBDC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PPEM drawdown since its inception was -18.44%, smaller than the maximum PBDC drawdown of -20.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PPEM and PBDC.

Drawdown Indicators

	PPEM	PBDC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.44%	-20.47%	+2.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.28%	-20.15%	+4.87%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.44%	-20.47%	+2.03%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.80%	-18.74%	+16.94%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.19%	-4.83%	+0.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.81%	11.58%	-7.77%

Volatility

PPEM vs. PBDC - Volatility Comparison

Putnam Panagora ESG Emerging Markets Equity ETF - (PPEM) has a higher volatility of 7.94% compared to Putnam BDC Income ETF (PBDC) at 5.50%. This indicates that PPEM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PBDC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PPEM	PBDC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.94%	5.50%	+2.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.76%	15.43%	+3.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.24%	18.66%	+2.58%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.26%	17.05%	+1.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.26%	17.05%	+1.21%

PPEM vs. PBDC - Expense Ratio Comparison

PPEM has a 0.61% expense ratio, which is lower than PBDC's 13.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

PPEM vs. PBDC - Dividend Comparison

PPEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 49.06%, more than PBDC's 11.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
PBDC Putnam BDC Income ETF	11.91%	10.53%	9.29%	9.86%	3.40%
PPEM Putnam Panagora ESG Emerging Markets Equity ETF -	49.06%	6.05%	3.27%	1.94%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PPEM and PBDC in my portfolio?

PPEM and PBDC have a correlation of 0.28, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PPEM or PBDC?

PPEM has higher volatility (7.94%) compared to PBDC (5.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PPEM dropped -18.44% vs PBDC's -20.47%.

Which ETF is better, PPEM or PBDC?

On 3-year performance, PPEM leads with 24.99% vs 7.11% for PBDC. On fees, PPEM is cheaper at 0.61% per year. On volatility, PBDC has been the lower-risk option at 5.50%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PPEM or PBDC?

Over the 3-year period, PPEM has performed better with a 24.99% return vs 7.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PPEM or PBDC?

PPEM is cheaper with a 0.61% expense ratio, compared with 13.49% for PBDC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PPEM or PBDC?

PPEM has the higher dividend yield at 49.06%, compared with 11.91% for PBDC.

What is the main difference between PPEM and PBDC?

PPEM is categorized as Emerging Markets Diversified, while PBDC is Financials Equities. They also come from different issuers: Putnam and Franklin Templeton. Their fees differ too: 0.61% for PPEM and 13.49% for PBDC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PPEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.62 vs -0.61), 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.