BAI vs PLDR
iShares AI Innovation and Tech Active ETF vs Putnam Sustainable Leaders ETF
Which is better, BAI or PLDR?
BAI has been ahead.
BAI has a lower expense ratio. BAI led over 1Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BAI | PLDR |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55%Best | 0.59% |
| AUM | $14.2B | $3M |
| Dividend Yield | 1.26% | 0.35% |
| Holdings | 55 | 56 |
| Volatility (annualized) | 35.6% | 15.6%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -34.1% | -23.0%Best |
| $10,000 over 1.6 years | $18,804Best | $11,098 |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Putnam Investments |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Growth | Large Cap Growth |
| Inception | Oct 21, 2024 | May 25, 2021 |
Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
The two price series end 127 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. BAI has data through Oct 14, 2026 and PLDR through Jun 9, 2026.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.6 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 22, 2024 to Jun 9, 2026 (1.6 years).
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BAI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 35.6% compared with 15.6% for PLDR. 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 -34.1% for BAI and -23.0% for PLDR. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BAI charges 0.55% per year while PLDR charges 0.59%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $59 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BAI currently yields 1.26% against 0.35% for PLDR.
Holdings Overlap
At least 21.7% of BAI's money is in holdings PLDR also owns.
Stated as a floor: for PLDR, our book for it covers 92.9% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
BAI and PLDR share little of their money.
The two holdings books were reported 196 days apart, BAI as of Sep 11, 2026 and PLDR as of Feb 27, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
7 positions in common, counted across the 50 positions we hold weights for in BAI and 52 in PLDR, against full books of 55 and 56.
21.7% of BAI is already inside PLDR.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BAI or PLDR?
BAI has an expense ratio of 0.55% while PLDR charges 0.59%. BAI is the cheaper option, by $4 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which is riskier, BAI or PLDR?
BAI has been the more volatile fund at 35.6% annualized versus 15.6% for PLDR. Worst drawdown: BAI -34.1% vs PLDR -23.0%.
Should I hold both BAI and PLDR?
BAI and PLDR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between BAI and PLDR?
At least 21.7% of BAI's money is in holdings PLDR also owns. Our book for PLDR is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 7 positions in common, counted across the 50 positions we hold weights for in BAI and 52 in PLDR.
Which pays a higher dividend, BAI or PLDR?
BAI yields 1.26% while PLDR yields 0.35%, so BAI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is PLDR better than BAI?
BAI has a lower expense ratio. BAI led over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.