PCRB vs VTI
PCRB vs VTI
Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PCRB | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.36% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $7M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.74% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 568 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -0.43% | +10.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.33% | +19.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.09% | +18.94% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +11.79% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.6% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -7.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 19, 2023 | May 24, 2001 |
PCRB vs VTI Performance
Putnam ESG Core Bond ETF (PCRB) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PCRB returned +4.33% while VTI returned +19.82%. Year to date, PCRB is down 0.43% versus a gain of 10.14% for VTI.
Over three years, PCRB compounded at +4.09% per year against +18.94% for VTI. Across the full 3-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +7.99% annualized vs +3.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PCRB charges 0.36% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $36 vs $3 annually, a gap of $33 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PCRB currently yields 9.74% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PCRB and VTI share 0 holdings out of 3164 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 VTI?
PCRB has an expense ratio of 0.36% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $33 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PCRB or VTI?
Over the past year PCRB returned +4.33% vs +19.82% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), PCRB annualized +3.23% vs +7.99% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PCRB or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 5.6% for PCRB. Worst drawdown: PCRB -7.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PCRB and VTI?
PCRB and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PCRB and VTI?
PCRB and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3164 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PCRB or VTI?
PCRB yields 9.74% while VTI yields 1.07%, so PCRB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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