PCRB vs QQQ
PCRB vs QQQ
Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. PCRB offers more diversification with 381 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PCRB | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.36% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $7M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.74% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 568 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -0.43% | +12.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.33% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.09% | +22.30% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.24% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.6% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -7.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 19, 2023 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PCRB vs QQQ Performance
Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF (PCRB) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PCRB returned +4.33% while QQQ returned +22.35%. Year to date, PCRB is down 0.43% versus a gain of 12.48% for QQQ.
Over three years, PCRB compounded at +4.09% per year against +22.30% for QQQ. Across the full 3-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +12.91% annualized vs +3.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 5.6% for PCRB. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -7.2% for PCRB and -83.0% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PCRB charges 0.36% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $36 vs $18 annually, a gap of $18 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PCRB currently yields 9.74% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
PCRB and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 484 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PCRB or QQQ?
PCRB has an expense ratio of 0.36% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $18 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PCRB or QQQ?
Over the past year PCRB returned +4.33% vs +22.35% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), PCRB annualized +3.23% vs +12.91% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PCRB or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 5.6% for PCRB. Worst drawdown: PCRB -7.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PCRB and QQQ?
PCRB and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PCRB and QQQ?
PCRB and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 484 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PCRB or QQQ?
PCRB yields 9.74% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so PCRB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.