PTRB vs. GSG
PTRB (PGIM Total Return Bond ETF) and GSG (iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - PTRB is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund actively managed by PGIM, while GSG is a Commodities fund tracking the S&P GSCI Total Return Index. PTRB is actively managed, while GSG is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, PTRB returned 4.88%/yr vs 15.01%/yr for GSG. At a correlation of -0.08, they often move in opposite directions. PTRB charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for GSG.
Performance
PTRB vs. GSG - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, PTRB achieves a 0.17% return, which is significantly lower than GSG's 34.43% return.
PTRB
- 1D
- 0.24%
- 1M
- -0.35%
- 6M
- -0.12%
- YTD
- 0.17%
- 1Y
- 4.47%
- 3Y*
- 4.88%
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
GSG
- 1D
- 1.57%
- 1M
- 1.37%
- 6M
- 28.74%
- YTD
- 34.43%
- 1Y
- 38.08%
- 3Y*
- 15.01%
- 5Y*
- 14.34%
- 10Y*
- 7.57%
PTRB vs. GSG - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PTRB PGIM Total Return Bond ETF | 0.17% | 7.63% | 2.67% | 7.71% | -14.82% | -0.20% |
GSG iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust | 34.43% | 5.93% | 8.52% | -5.51% | 24.08% | 3.51% |
Correlation
The correlation between PTRB and GSG is -0.35, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | -0.35 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | -0.17 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 8, 2021 | -0.08 |
Over the past year, the inverse relationship between PTRB and GSG has strengthened: their correlation has moved from -0.08 to -0.35, meaning they now move in opposite directions more often than their long-term average.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
PTRB vs. GSG — Risk / Return Rank
PTRB
GSG
PTRB vs. GSG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM Total Return Bond ETF (PTRB) and iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust (GSG). 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.
| PTRB | GSG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.50 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.59 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.20 | 1.29 | -0.09 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.55 | 2.03 | -0.49 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 4.23 | 6.88 | -2.65 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
PTRB vs. GSG - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum PTRB drawdown since its inception was -19.17%, smaller than the maximum GSG drawdown of -89.62%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PTRB and GSG.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| PTRB | GSG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -19.17% | -89.62% | +70.45% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -2.90% | -18.81% | +15.91% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -5.52% | -18.81% | +13.29% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | — | -29.12% | — |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -57.64% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.76% | -59.41% | +57.65% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -7.49% | -63.69% | +56.20% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 1.06% | 5.55% | -4.49% |
Volatility
PTRB vs. GSG - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for PGIM Total Return Bond ETF (PTRB) is 1.23%, while iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust (GSG) has a volatility of 7.37%. This indicates that PTRB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GSG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| PTRB | GSG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 1.23% | 7.37% | -6.14% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 3.13% | 21.54% | -18.41% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 3.96% | 23.48% | -19.52% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 6.22% | 22.80% | -16.58% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 6.22% | 22.00% | -15.78% |
PTRB vs. GSG - Expense Ratio Comparison
PTRB has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is lower than GSG's 0.75% expense ratio.
Dividends
PTRB vs. GSG - Dividend Comparison
PTRB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.75%, while GSG has not paid dividends to shareholders.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GSG iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
PTRB PGIM Total Return Bond ETF | 4.75% | 4.73% | 5.10% | 4.62% | 4.07% | 0.12% |
Frequently Asked Questions
PTRB and GSG have a correlation of -0.35, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
GSG has higher volatility (7.37%) compared to PTRB (1.23%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PTRB dropped -19.17% vs GSG's -89.62%.
On 3-year performance, GSG leads with 15.01% vs 4.88% for PTRB. On fees, PTRB is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, PTRB has been the lower-risk option at 1.23%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 3-year period, GSG has performed better with a 15.01% return vs 4.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
PTRB is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for GSG.
PTRB has the higher dividend yield at 4.75%, compared with 0.00% for GSG.
PTRB is categorized as Intermediate Core-Plus Bond, while GSG is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: PGIM and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for PTRB and 0.75% for GSG.
GSG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.63 vs 1.13), 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.
Find the right allocation for PTRB and GSG
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer