USPX vs. PBDC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

USPX (Franklin U.S. Equity Index ETF) and PBDC (Putnam BDC Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - USPX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Morningstar US Target Market Exposure Index, while PBDC is a Financials Equities fund actively managed by Franklin Templeton. USPX is passively managed, while PBDC is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, USPX returned 20.72%/yr vs 7.11%/yr for PBDC. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. USPX charges 0.03%/yr vs 13.49%/yr for PBDC.

Performance

USPX vs. PBDC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin U.S. Equity Index ETF (USPX) 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, USPX achieves a 7.94% return, which is significantly higher than PBDC's -11.42% return.

USPX

• 1D: -1.35%
• 1M: -1.23%
• YTD: 7.94%
• 6M: 6.89%
• 1Y: 23.21%
• 3Y*: 20.72%
• 5Y*: 11.89%
• 10Y*: 12.60%

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)

USPX vs. PBDC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
USPX Franklin U.S. Equity Index ETF	7.94%	17.78%	24.97%	27.07%	5.53%
PBDC Putnam BDC Income ETF	-11.42%	-1.77%	19.43%	30.52%	10.38%

Correlation

The correlation between USPX and PBDC is 0.46, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.46
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.48
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 30, 2022	0.54

The correlation between USPX and PBDC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.46 to 0.54 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

USPX vs. PBDC — Risk / Return Rank

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

USPX

USPX Risk / Return Rank: 59
USPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
USPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
USPX Omega Ratio Rank: 57
USPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
USPX Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

USPX vs. PBDC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin U.S. Equity Index ETF (USPX) 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.

	USPX	PBDC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.83	-0.61	+2.44
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.51	-0.76	+3.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	0.91	+0.41
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.55	-0.56	+3.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.19	-0.98	+12.17

USPX vs. PBDC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current USPX Sharpe Ratio is 1.83, which is higher than the PBDC Sharpe Ratio of -0.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of USPX 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

USPX vs. PBDC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USPX drawdown since its inception was -31.21%, which is greater than PBDC's maximum drawdown of -20.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USPX and PBDC.

Drawdown Indicators

	USPX	PBDC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.21%	-20.47%	-10.74%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.15%	-20.15%	+11.00%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.21%	-20.47%	+1.26%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.60%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.21%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.17%	-18.74%	+15.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.43%	-4.83%	+0.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.08%	11.58%	-9.50%

Volatility

USPX vs. PBDC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Franklin U.S. Equity Index ETF (USPX) is 4.89%, while Putnam BDC Income ETF (PBDC) has a volatility of 5.50%. This indicates that USPX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PBDC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	USPX	PBDC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.89%	5.50%	-0.61%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.06%	15.43%	-5.37%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.74%	18.66%	-5.92%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.28%	17.05%	-0.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.96%	17.05%	-1.09%

USPX vs. PBDC - Expense Ratio Comparison

USPX has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than PBDC's 13.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

USPX vs. PBDC - Dividend Comparison

USPX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.83%, less than PBDC's 11.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
PBDC Putnam BDC Income ETF	11.91%	10.53%	9.29%	9.86%	3.40%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
USPX Franklin U.S. Equity Index ETF	0.83%	1.07%	1.23%	1.35%	2.21%	2.40%	2.51%	3.07%	2.91%	2.60%	4.89%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both USPX and PBDC in my portfolio?

USPX and PBDC have a correlation of 0.46, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, USPX or PBDC?

PBDC has higher volatility (5.50%) compared to USPX (4.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, USPX dropped -31.21% vs PBDC's -20.47%.

Which ETF is better, USPX or PBDC?

On 3-year performance, USPX leads with 20.72% vs 7.11% for PBDC. On fees, USPX is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, USPX has been the lower-risk option at 4.89%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, USPX or PBDC?

Over the 3-year period, USPX has performed better with a 20.72% return vs 7.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, USPX or PBDC?

USPX is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 13.49% for PBDC.

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

PBDC has the higher dividend yield at 11.91%, compared with 0.83% for USPX.

What is the main difference between USPX and PBDC?

USPX is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while PBDC is Financials Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for USPX and 13.49% for PBDC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

USPX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.83 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.