TAGG vs. PCRB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

TAGG (T. Rowe Price QM U.S. Bond ETF) and PCRB (Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF -) are both Intermediate Core Bond funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, TAGG returned 4.26%/yr vs 4.09%/yr for PCRB. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. TAGG charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for PCRB.

Performance

TAGG vs. PCRB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in T. Rowe Price QM U.S. Bond ETF (TAGG) and Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF - (PCRB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TAGG achieves a 0.18% return, which is significantly higher than PCRB's -0.32% return.

TAGG

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: 0.18%
• YTD: 0.18%
• 6M: 0.16%
• 1Y: 5.22%
• 3Y*: 4.26%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PCRB

• 1D: -0.13%
• 1M: -0.22%
• YTD: -0.32%
• 6M: -0.43%
• 1Y: 4.53%
• 3Y*: 4.09%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

TAGG vs. PCRB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
TAGG T. Rowe Price QM U.S. Bond ETF	0.18%	7.40%	1.73%	2.39%
PCRB Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF -	-0.32%	7.21%	1.91%	2.41%

Correlation

The correlation between TAGG and PCRB is 0.92, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 23, 2023	0.91

The correlation between TAGG and PCRB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

TAGG vs. PCRB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	TAGG	PCRB
Technology	52.7%	-
Communication Services	15.2%	11.8%
Consumer Cyclical	14.3%	-
Consumer Defensive	5.5%	0.1%
Healthcare	5.0%	0.4%
Industrials	3.5%	-
Basic Materials	1.3%	-
Utilities	1.3%	-
Energy	0.6%	-
Financial Services	0.6%	0.3%
Real Estate	0.2%	-

Return for Risk

TAGG vs. PCRB — Risk / Return Rank

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

TAGG

TAGG Risk / Return Rank: 36
TAGG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
TAGG Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
TAGG Omega Ratio Rank: 38
TAGG Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
TAGG Martin Ratio Rank: 32

PCRB

PCRB Risk / Return Rank: 33
PCRB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
PCRB Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
PCRB Omega Ratio Rank: 31
PCRB Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
PCRB Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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.

TAGG vs. PCRB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for T. Rowe Price QM U.S. Bond ETF (TAGG) and Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF - (PCRB). 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.

	TAGG	PCRB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.37	1.21	+0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.04	1.84	+0.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.21	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.64	1.51	+0.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.86	4.90	-0.04
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

TAGG vs. PCRB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TAGG Sharpe Ratio is 1.37, which is comparable to the PCRB Sharpe Ratio of 1.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TAGG and PCRB, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	TAGG	PCRB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.37	1.21	+0.16
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.04	0.59	-0.55

Drawdowns

TAGG vs. PCRB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TAGG drawdown since its inception was -17.26%, which is greater than PCRB's maximum drawdown of -7.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TAGG and PCRB.

Drawdown Indicators

	TAGG	PCRB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.26%	-7.20%	-10.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.19%	-3.02%	-0.17%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.40%	-5.85%	-0.55%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.03%	-2.18%	+0.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.87%	-1.64%	-5.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.08%	0.93%	+0.15%

Volatility

TAGG vs. PCRB - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for T. Rowe Price QM U.S. Bond ETF (TAGG) is 1.19%, while Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF - (PCRB) has a volatility of 1.32%. This indicates that TAGG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PCRB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TAGG	PCRB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.19%	1.32%	-0.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.69%	2.66%	+0.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.83%	3.77%	+0.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.53%	5.63%	+0.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.53%	5.63%	+0.90%

TAGG vs. PCRB - Expense Ratio Comparison

TAGG has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than PCRB's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

TAGG vs. PCRB - Dividend Comparison

TAGG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.58%, less than PCRB's 9.79% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
PCRB Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF -	9.79%	4.30%	4.38%	3.65%	0.00%	0.00%
TAGG T. Rowe Price QM U.S. Bond ETF	4.58%	4.36%	4.36%	3.48%	3.67%	0.33%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TAGG and PCRB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, TAGG and PCRB move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, TAGG or PCRB?

PCRB has higher volatility (1.32%) compared to TAGG (1.19%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TAGG dropped -17.26% vs PCRB's -7.20%.

Which ETF is better, TAGG or PCRB?

On 3-year performance, TAGG leads with 4.26% vs 4.09% for PCRB. On fees, TAGG is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, TAGG has been the lower-risk option at 1.19%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TAGG or PCRB?

Over the 3-year period, TAGG has performed better with a 4.26% return vs 4.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TAGG or PCRB?

TAGG is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for PCRB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, TAGG or PCRB?

PCRB has the higher dividend yield at 9.79%, compared with 4.58% for TAGG.

What is the main difference between TAGG and PCRB?

They also come from different issuers: T. Rowe Price and Putnam. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for TAGG and 0.35% for PCRB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TAGG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.37 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.