WABF vs. PBDC

Last updated Jun 21, 2026

WABF (Western Asset Bond ETF) and PBDC (Putnam BDC Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - WABF is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund actively managed by Franklin Templeton, while PBDC is a Financials Equities fund actively managed by Franklin Templeton. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, WABF returned 4.97% vs -12.43% for PBDC. At a 0.16 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. WABF charges 0.35%/yr vs 13.49%/yr for PBDC.

Performance

WABF vs. PBDC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Western Asset Bond ETF (WABF) 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, WABF achieves a 0.37% return, which is significantly higher than PBDC's -11.69% return.

WABF

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: 0.82%
• YTD: 0.37%
• 6M: 0.52%
• 1Y: 4.97%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PBDC

• 1D: -1.02%
• 1M: -1.61%
• YTD: -11.69%
• 6M: -10.28%
• 1Y: -12.43%
• 3Y*: 7.01%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

WABF vs. PBDC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
WABF Western Asset Bond ETF	0.37%	7.92%	1.30%	6.72%
PBDC Putnam BDC Income ETF	-11.69%	-1.77%	19.43%	5.55%

Correlation

The correlation between WABF and PBDC is 0.25, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.25
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 21, 2023	0.16

Return for Risk

WABF vs. PBDC — Risk / Return Rank

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

WABF

WABF Risk / Return Rank: 38
WABF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
WABF Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
WABF Omega Ratio Rank: 40
WABF Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
WABF Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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.

WABF vs. PBDC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Western Asset Bond ETF (WABF) 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.

	WABF	PBDC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.40	-0.67	+2.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.11	-0.85	+2.96
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	0.91	+0.35
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.69	-0.62	+2.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.90	-1.08	+5.99

WABF vs. PBDC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WABF Sharpe Ratio is 1.40, which is higher than the PBDC Sharpe Ratio of -0.67. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WABF 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

WABF vs. PBDC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WABF drawdown since its inception was -5.36%, smaller than the maximum PBDC drawdown of -20.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WABF and PBDC.

Drawdown Indicators

	WABF	PBDC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.36%	-20.47%	+15.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.03%	-20.15%	+17.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-20.47%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.45%	-18.99%	+17.54%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.51%	-4.82%	+3.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.04%	11.52%	-10.48%

Volatility

WABF vs. PBDC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Western Asset Bond ETF (WABF) is 0.94%, while Putnam BDC Income ETF (PBDC) has a volatility of 5.50%. This indicates that WABF 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

	WABF	PBDC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.94%	5.50%	-4.56%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.51%	15.42%	-12.91%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.65%	18.69%	-15.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.98%	17.06%	-11.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.98%	17.06%	-11.08%

WABF vs. PBDC - Expense Ratio Comparison

WABF has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than PBDC's 13.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

WABF vs. PBDC - Dividend Comparison

WABF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.12%, less than PBDC's 11.95% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
PBDC Putnam BDC Income ETF	11.95%	10.53%	9.29%	9.86%	3.40%
WABF Western Asset Bond ETF	5.12%	5.67%	6.25%	1.46%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WABF and PBDC in my portfolio?

WABF and PBDC have a correlation of 0.25, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, WABF or PBDC?

PBDC has higher volatility (5.50%) compared to WABF (0.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WABF dropped -5.36% vs PBDC's -20.47%.

Which ETF is better, WABF or PBDC?

On 1-year performance, WABF leads with 4.97% vs -12.43% for PBDC. On fees, WABF is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, WABF has been the lower-risk option at 0.94%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, WABF or PBDC?

Over the 1-year period, WABF has performed better with a 4.97% return vs -12.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, WABF or PBDC?

WABF is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 13.49% for PBDC.

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

PBDC has the higher dividend yield at 11.95%, compared with 5.12% for WABF.

What is the main difference between WABF and PBDC?

WABF is categorized as Intermediate Core-Plus Bond, while PBDC is Financials Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for WABF and 13.49% for PBDC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

WABF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.40 vs -0.67), 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.