SLNZ vs. PWRD

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SLNZ (TCW Senior Loan ETF) and PWRD (TCW Transform Systems ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SLNZ is a Bank Loan fund actively managed by TCW, while PWRD is a Energy Equities fund actively managed by TCW. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, SLNZ returned 4.89% vs 36.33% for PWRD. At a 0.04 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SLNZ charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for PWRD.

Performance

SLNZ vs. PWRD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in TCW Senior Loan ETF (SLNZ) and TCW Transform Systems ETF (PWRD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SLNZ achieves a 1.80% return, which is significantly lower than PWRD's 21.92% return.

SLNZ

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: 0.47%
• YTD: 1.80%
• 6M: 1.92%
• 1Y: 4.89%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PWRD

• 1D: -4.36%
• 1M: 4.92%
• YTD: 21.92%
• 6M: 19.81%
• 1Y: 36.33%
• 3Y*: 33.16%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SLNZ vs. PWRD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SLNZ TCW Senior Loan ETF	1.80%	5.21%	0.94%
PWRD TCW Transform Systems ETF	21.92%	32.84%	-3.05%

Correlation

The correlation between SLNZ and PWRD is 0.04, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.04
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 18, 2024	0.04

Return for Risk

SLNZ vs. PWRD — Risk / Return Rank

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

SLNZ

SLNZ Risk / Return Rank: 36
SLNZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
SLNZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
SLNZ Omega Ratio Rank: 35
SLNZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
SLNZ Martin Ratio Rank: 41

PWRD

PWRD Risk / Return Rank: 46
PWRD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
PWRD Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
PWRD Omega Ratio Rank: 40
PWRD Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
PWRD Martin Ratio Rank: 52

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.

SLNZ vs. PWRD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for TCW Senior Loan ETF (SLNZ) and TCW Transform Systems ETF (PWRD). 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.

	SLNZ	PWRD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.11	1.44	-0.34
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.50	1.99	-0.49
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.25	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.91	2.58	-0.67
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.97	8.57	-2.60

SLNZ vs. PWRD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SLNZ Sharpe Ratio is 1.11, which is comparable to the PWRD Sharpe Ratio of 1.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SLNZ and PWRD, 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

SLNZ vs. PWRD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SLNZ drawdown since its inception was -2.57%, smaller than the maximum PWRD drawdown of -25.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SLNZ and PWRD.

Drawdown Indicators

	SLNZ	PWRD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.57%	-25.87%	+23.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.57%	-14.12%	+11.55%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-25.87%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.10%	-4.36%	+4.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.44%	-5.07%	+4.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.82%	4.25%	-3.43%

Volatility

SLNZ vs. PWRD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for TCW Senior Loan ETF (SLNZ) is 0.85%, while TCW Transform Systems ETF (PWRD) has a volatility of 10.84%. This indicates that SLNZ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PWRD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SLNZ	PWRD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.85%	10.84%	-9.99%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.89%	20.67%	-16.78%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.46%	25.31%	-20.85%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.25%	22.89%	-18.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.25%	22.89%	-18.64%

SLNZ vs. PWRD - Expense Ratio Comparison

SLNZ has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is lower than PWRD's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

SLNZ vs. PWRD - Dividend Comparison

SLNZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.53%, while PWRD has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
PWRD TCW Transform Systems ETF	0.00%	0.22%	0.49%	0.78%	0.91%
SLNZ TCW Senior Loan ETF	7.53%	7.39%	1.39%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SLNZ and PWRD in my portfolio?

SLNZ and PWRD have a correlation of 0.04, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SLNZ or PWRD?

PWRD has higher volatility (10.84%) compared to SLNZ (0.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SLNZ dropped -2.57% vs PWRD's -25.87%.

Which ETF is better, SLNZ or PWRD?

On 1-year performance, PWRD leads with 36.33% vs 4.89% for SLNZ. On fees, SLNZ is cheaper at 0.65% per year. On volatility, SLNZ has been the lower-risk option at 0.85%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SLNZ or PWRD?

Over the 1-year period, PWRD has performed better with a 36.33% return vs 4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SLNZ or PWRD?

SLNZ is cheaper with a 0.65% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for PWRD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SLNZ or PWRD?

SLNZ has the higher dividend yield at 7.53%, compared with 0.00% for PWRD.

What is the main difference between SLNZ and PWRD?

SLNZ is categorized as Bank Loan, while PWRD is Energy Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for SLNZ and 0.75% for PWRD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PWRD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.44 vs 1.10), 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.