PTRB vs. VWEAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PTRB (PGIM Total Return Bond ETF) and VWEAX (Vanguard High-Yield Corporate Fund Admiral Shares) are both funds - PTRB is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund actively managed by PGIM, while VWEAX is a High Yield Bonds fund actively managed by Vanguard. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, PTRB returned 5.10%/yr vs 8.49%/yr for VWEAX. A 0.51 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PTRB charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.12%/yr for VWEAX.

Performance

PTRB vs. VWEAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM Total Return Bond ETF (PTRB) and Vanguard High-Yield Corporate Fund Admiral Shares (VWEAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PTRB achieves a 0.58% return, which is significantly lower than VWEAX's 1.01% return.

PTRB

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: 0.74%
• YTD: 0.58%
• 6M: 0.78%
• 1Y: 4.81%
• 3Y*: 5.10%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VWEAX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.72%
• YTD: 1.01%
• 6M: 1.72%
• 1Y: 6.34%
• 3Y*: 8.49%
• 5Y*: 4.12%
• 10Y*: 5.28%

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

PTRB vs. VWEAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
PTRB PGIM Total Return Bond ETF	0.58%	7.63%	2.67%	7.71%	-14.82%	-0.20%
VWEAX Vanguard High-Yield Corporate Fund Admiral Shares	1.01%	9.49%	6.42%	11.79%	-8.95%	0.51%

Correlation

The correlation between PTRB and VWEAX is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.52
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 8, 2021	0.51

The correlation between PTRB and VWEAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.49 to 0.52 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PTRB vs. VWEAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PTRB

PTRB Risk / Return Rank: 35
PTRB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
PTRB Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
PTRB Omega Ratio Rank: 33
PTRB Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
PTRB Martin Ratio Rank: 33

VWEAX

VWEAX Risk / Return Rank: 68
VWEAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
VWEAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
VWEAX Omega Ratio Rank: 81
VWEAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
VWEAX Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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.

PTRB vs. VWEAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM Total Return Bond ETF (PTRB) and Vanguard High-Yield Corporate Fund Admiral Shares (VWEAX). 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	VWEAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.21	2.00	-0.79
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.78	3.46	-1.68
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.49	-0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.67	2.60	-0.93
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.70	13.17	-8.48

PTRB vs. VWEAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PTRB Sharpe Ratio is 1.21, which is lower than the VWEAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.00. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PTRB and VWEAX, 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

PTRB vs. VWEAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PTRB drawdown since its inception was -19.17%, smaller than the maximum VWEAX drawdown of -30.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PTRB and VWEAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PTRB	VWEAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.17%	-30.05%	+10.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.90%	-2.52%	-0.38%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.52%	-3.32%	-2.20%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-13.77%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-19.68%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.37%	-0.18%	-1.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.56%	-2.12%	-5.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.03%	0.50%	+0.53%

Volatility

PTRB vs. VWEAX - Volatility Comparison

PGIM Total Return Bond ETF (PTRB) has a higher volatility of 1.39% compared to Vanguard High-Yield Corporate Fund Admiral Shares (VWEAX) at 0.87%. This indicates that PTRB's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VWEAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PTRB	VWEAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.39%	0.87%	+0.52%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.01%	2.62%	+0.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.00%	3.29%	+0.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.24%	4.92%	+1.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.24%	5.27%	+0.97%

PTRB vs. VWEAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PTRB has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than VWEAX's 0.12% expense ratio.

Dividends

PTRB vs. VWEAX - Dividend Comparison

PTRB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.73%, less than VWEAX's 6.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PTRB PGIM Total Return Bond ETF	4.73%	4.73%	5.10%	4.62%	4.07%	0.12%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VWEAX Vanguard High-Yield Corporate Fund Admiral Shares	6.37%	6.25%	6.20%	5.79%	5.21%	3.49%	4.71%	5.33%	6.07%	5.39%	5.51%	6.53%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PTRB and VWEAX in my portfolio?

PTRB and VWEAX have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PTRB or VWEAX?

PTRB has higher volatility (1.39%) compared to VWEAX (0.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PTRB dropped -19.17% vs VWEAX's -30.05%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VWEAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.00 vs 1.21), 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.