BNDC vs PAB
Northern Trust Core Bond ETF vs PGIM Active Aggregate Bond ETF
Which is better, BNDC or PAB?
Nearly the same fund. PAB costs less.
PAB has a lower expense ratio. PAB led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.99.
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 | BNDC | PAB |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.19%Best |
| AUM | $165M | $98M |
| Dividend Yield | 4.33% | 5.50% |
| Holdings | 16 | 466 |
| YTD Return | -2.88% | -2.03%Best |
| 1Y Return | -2.81% | -1.81%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.23% | +4.98%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.95% | -0.45%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.3%Best | 6.4% |
| Max Drawdown | -18.6%Best | -19.3% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $9,534 | $9,777Best |
| Fund Family | Northern Trust Asset Management | PGIM Investments |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Inception | Nov 18, 2016 | Apr 12, 2021 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight, Style.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 15, 2021 to Oct 14, 2026 (5.5 years).
BNDC vs PAB growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 5.5 years both funds cover.
BNDC vs PAB Performance
Northern Trust Core Bond ETF (BNDC) is an ETF from Northern Trust Asset Management and PGIM Active Aggregate Bond ETF (PAB) is an ETF from PGIM Investments. Over the past year BNDC returned -2.81% while PAB returned -1.81%. Year to date, BNDC is down 2.88% versus a loss of 2.03% for PAB.
Over three years, BNDC compounded at +4.23% per year against +4.98% for PAB; over five years the annualized figures are -0.95% and -0.45% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, PAB has the edge at -0.23% annualized vs -0.68%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PAB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 6.4% compared with 6.3% for BNDC. 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 -18.6% for BNDC and -19.3% for PAB. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BNDC charges 0.38% per year while PAB charges 0.19%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $19 annually, a gap of $19 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BNDC currently yields 4.33% against 5.50% for PAB.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 7 holdings in BNDC and 301 in PAB, totalling 99.2% and 64.9% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 7 positions we hold weights for in BNDC and 301 in PAB, against full books of 16 and 466.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of BNDC and PAB you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BNDC or PAB?
BNDC has an expense ratio of 0.38% while PAB charges 0.19%. PAB is the cheaper option, by $19 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, BNDC or PAB?
Over the past year BNDC returned -2.81% vs -1.81% for PAB, so PAB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), BNDC annualized -0.68% vs -0.23% for PAB. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, BNDC or PAB?
PAB has been the more volatile fund at 6.4% annualized versus 6.3% for BNDC. Worst drawdown: BNDC -18.6% vs PAB -19.3%.
Should I hold both BNDC and PAB?
BNDC and PAB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, BNDC or PAB?
BNDC yields 4.33% while PAB yields 5.50%, so PAB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is PAB better than BNDC?
PAB has a lower expense ratio. PAB led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.99. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.