CSSD vs. PFFL

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

CSSD (Cohen & Steers Short Duration Preferred and Income Active ETF) and PFFL (ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged Preferred Stock ETN) are both Preferred Stock/Convertible Bonds funds. CSSD is actively managed, while PFFL is passively managed. At a 0.39 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. CSSD charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for PFFL.

Performance

CSSD vs. PFFL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Cohen & Steers Short Duration Preferred and Income Active ETF (CSSD) 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, CSSD achieves a 3.06% return, which is significantly higher than PFFL's -3.27% return.

CSSD

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: 0.27%
• 6M: 2.39%
• YTD: 3.06%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PFFL

• 1D: -1.16%
• 1M: -3.46%
• 6M: -7.41%
• YTD: -3.27%
• 1Y: -0.36%
• 3Y*: 3.48%
• 5Y*: -6.81%
• 10Y*: —

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

CSSD vs. PFFL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
CSSD Cohen & Steers Short Duration Preferred and Income Active ETF	3.06%	0.49%
PFFL ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged Preferred Stock ETN	-3.27%	0.60%

Correlation

The correlation between CSSD and PFFL is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 10, 2025	0.39

Return for Risk

CSSD vs. PFFL — Risk / Return Rank

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

CSSD

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

PFFL

PFFL Risk / Return Rank: 9
PFFL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
PFFL Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
PFFL Omega Ratio Rank: 9
PFFL Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
PFFL Martin Ratio Rank: 9

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.

CSSD vs. PFFL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Cohen & Steers Short Duration Preferred and Income Active ETF (CSSD) 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	CSSD	PFFL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	-0.02	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	0.08	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.01	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	-0.03	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	-0.06	—

Drawdowns

CSSD vs. PFFL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CSSD drawdown since its inception was -2.32%, smaller than the maximum PFFL drawdown of -80.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CSSD and PFFL.

Drawdown Indicators

	CSSD	PFFL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.32%	-80.68%	+78.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-11.92%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-23.75%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-48.51%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.22%	-40.41%	+40.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.28%	-28.68%	+28.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	5.63%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	CSSD	PFFL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.10%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	11.00%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.03%	16.37%	-13.34%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.03%	23.70%	-20.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.03%	54.95%	-51.92%

CSSD vs. PFFL - Expense Ratio Comparison

CSSD has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is lower than PFFL's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

CSSD vs. PFFL - Dividend Comparison

CSSD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.15%, less than PFFL's 12.72% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
CSSD Cohen & Steers Short Duration Preferred and Income Active ETF	3.15%	0.53%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
PFFL ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged Preferred Stock ETN	12.72%	13.27%	13.76%	13.71%	13.90%	8.82%	9.75%	11.21%	2.02%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CSSD and PFFL in my portfolio?

CSSD and PFFL have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, CSSD or PFFL?

On fees, CSSD is cheaper at 0.49% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, CSSD or PFFL?

CSSD is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for PFFL.

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

PFFL has the higher dividend yield at 12.72%, compared with 3.15% for CSSD.

What is the main difference between CSSD and PFFL?

They also come from different issuers: Cohen & Steers and UBS. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for CSSD and 0.85% for PFFL.