AMUB vs. PFFL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AMUB (ETRACS Alerian MLP Index ETN Class B) and PFFL (ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged Preferred Stock ETN) are both exchange-traded funds - AMUB is a MLPs fund tracking the Alerian MLP Index, while PFFL is a Preferred Stock/Convertible Bonds fund tracking the Solactive Preferred Stock ETF Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, AMUB returned 12.34%/yr vs -5.89%/yr for PFFL. At a 0.29 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. AMUB charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for PFFL.

Performance

AMUB vs. PFFL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ETRACS Alerian MLP Index ETN Class B (AMUB) and ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged Preferred Stock ETN (PFFL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AMUB achieves a 16.97% return, which is significantly higher than PFFL's 0.10% return.

AMUB

• 1D: -0.23%
• 1M: -2.08%
• YTD: 16.97%
• 6M: 15.25%
• 1Y: 15.77%
• 3Y*: 15.80%
• 5Y*: 12.34%
• 10Y*: 3.05%

PFFL

• 1D: -0.99%
• 1M: -1.06%
• YTD: 0.10%
• 6M: 0.21%
• 1Y: 8.48%
• 3Y*: 3.14%
• 5Y*: -5.89%
• 10Y*: —

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

AMUB vs. PFFL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
AMUB ETRACS Alerian MLP Index ETN Class B	16.97%	2.05%	15.68%	16.89%	21.91%	28.83%	-36.47%	-1.78%	-20.04%
PFFL ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged Preferred Stock ETN	0.10%	2.18%	4.77%	8.65%	-39.15%	7.52%	-15.47%	30.21%	-11.05%

Correlation

The correlation between AMUB and PFFL is 0.08, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.08
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.22
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.28
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 27, 2018	0.29

Over the past year, the correlation between AMUB and PFFL has dropped to 0.08 - well below their long-term average of 0.29, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

AMUB vs. PFFL — Risk / Return Rank

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

AMUB

AMUB Risk / Return Rank: 31
AMUB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
AMUB Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
AMUB Omega Ratio Rank: 30
AMUB Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
AMUB Martin Ratio Rank: 31

PFFL

PFFL Risk / Return Rank: 17
PFFL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
PFFL Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
PFFL Omega Ratio Rank: 17
PFFL Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
PFFL Martin Ratio Rank: 17

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.

AMUB vs. PFFL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ETRACS Alerian MLP Index ETN Class B (AMUB) and ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged Preferred Stock ETN (PFFL). 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.

	AMUB	PFFL	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.18	0.50	+0.67
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.69	0.81	+0.88
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.11	+0.10
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.53	0.71	+0.82
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	4.52	1.76	+2.77
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

AMUB vs. PFFL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AMUB Sharpe Ratio is 1.18, which is higher than the PFFL Sharpe Ratio of 0.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AMUB and PFFL, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	AMUB	PFFL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.18	0.50	+0.67
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.61	-0.25	+0.86
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.11	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.00	-0.07	+0.07

Drawdowns

AMUB vs. PFFL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AMUB drawdown since its inception was -79.46%, roughly equal to the maximum PFFL drawdown of -80.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AMUB and PFFL.

Drawdown Indicators

	AMUB	PFFL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-79.46%	-80.68%	+1.22%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.37%	-11.92%	+1.55%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.22%	-23.75%	+6.53%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.58%	-48.51%	+27.93%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-78.86%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.15%	-38.34%	+32.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-29.23%	-28.54%	-0.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.51%	4.84%	-1.33%

Volatility

AMUB vs. PFFL - Volatility Comparison

ETRACS Alerian MLP Index ETN Class B (AMUB) has a higher volatility of 5.40% compared to ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged Preferred Stock ETN (PFFL) at 3.83%. This indicates that AMUB's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PFFL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AMUB	PFFL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.40%	3.83%	+1.57%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.82%	10.33%	-0.51%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.60%	16.91%	-3.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.24%	23.62%	-3.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.09%	55.35%	-28.26%

AMUB vs. PFFL - Expense Ratio Comparison

AMUB has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is lower than PFFL's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

AMUB vs. PFFL - Dividend Comparison

AMUB has not paid dividends to shareholders, while PFFL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 12.44%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
AMUB ETRACS Alerian MLP Index ETN Class B	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
PFFL ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged Preferred Stock ETN	12.44%	13.27%	13.76%	13.71%	13.90%	8.82%	9.75%	11.21%	2.02%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AMUB and PFFL in my portfolio?

AMUB and PFFL have a correlation of 0.08, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AMUB or PFFL?

AMUB has higher volatility (5.40%) compared to PFFL (3.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AMUB dropped -79.46% vs PFFL's -80.68%.

Which ETF is better, AMUB or PFFL?

On 5-year performance, AMUB leads with 12.34% vs -5.89% for PFFL. On fees, AMUB is cheaper at 0.80% per year. On volatility, PFFL has been the lower-risk option at 3.83%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AMUB or PFFL?

Over the 5-year period, AMUB has performed better with a 12.34% return vs -5.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AMUB or PFFL?

AMUB is cheaper with a 0.80% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for PFFL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AMUB or PFFL?

PFFL has the higher dividend yield at 12.44%, compared with 0.00% for AMUB.

What is the main difference between AMUB and PFFL?

AMUB is categorized as MLPs, while PFFL is Preferred Stock/Convertible Bonds. AMUB tracks Alerian MLP Index, while PFFL tracks Solactive Preferred Stock ETF Index. Their fees differ too: 0.80% for AMUB and 0.85% for PFFL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AMUB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.18 vs 0.50), 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.