FPE vs. PFFA

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FPE (First Trust Preferred Securities & Income ETF) and PFFA (Virtus InfraCap U.S. Preferred Stock ETF) are both Preferred Stock/Convertible Bonds funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 5 years, FPE returned 3.08%/yr vs 6.57%/yr for PFFA. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FPE charges 0.85%/yr vs 1.47%/yr for PFFA.

Performance

FPE vs. PFFA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Preferred Securities & Income ETF (FPE) and Virtus InfraCap U.S. Preferred Stock ETF (PFFA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FPE achieves a 0.97% return, which is significantly lower than PFFA's 3.08% return.

FPE

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: 0.16%
• YTD: 0.97%
• 6M: 1.26%
• 1Y: 8.50%
• 3Y*: 10.04%
• 5Y*: 3.08%
• 10Y*: 5.04%

PFFA

• 1D: -0.70%
• 1M: -0.26%
• YTD: 3.08%
• 6M: 4.03%
• 1Y: 14.79%
• 3Y*: 14.46%
• 5Y*: 6.57%
• 10Y*: —

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

FPE vs. PFFA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
FPE First Trust Preferred Securities & Income ETF	0.97%	9.21%	11.17%	6.84%	-12.77%	5.24%	6.00%	18.15%	-3.51%
PFFA Virtus InfraCap U.S. Preferred Stock ETF	3.08%	8.22%	16.11%	26.45%	-20.91%	23.53%	-7.87%	31.99%	-7.10%

Correlation

The correlation between FPE and PFFA is 0.64, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.64
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.66
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 17, 2018	0.62

The correlation between FPE and PFFA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.62 to 0.69 - a consistent structural relationship.

FPE vs. PFFA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FPE	PFFA
Financial Services	9.2%	28.1%
Utilities	3.1%	2.3%
Real Estate	2.3%	41.2%
Consumer Defensive	0.8%	-
Communication Services	0.4%	5.3%
Industrials	0.4%	10.2%
Basic Materials	-	0.3%
Consumer Cyclical	-	0.2%
Energy	-	3.2%
Healthcare	-	0.9%
Technology	-	3.0%

Return for Risk

FPE vs. PFFA — Risk / Return Rank

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

FPE

FPE Risk / Return Rank: 61
FPE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
FPE Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
FPE Omega Ratio Rank: 77
FPE Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
FPE Martin Ratio Rank: 54

PFFA

PFFA Risk / Return Rank: 56
PFFA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
PFFA Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
PFFA Omega Ratio Rank: 64
PFFA Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
PFFA Martin Ratio Rank: 46

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.

FPE vs. PFFA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Preferred Securities & Income ETF (FPE) and Virtus InfraCap U.S. Preferred Stock ETF (PFFA). 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.

	FPE	PFFA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.22	2.12	+0.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.15	3.00	+0.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.40	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.09	2.29	-0.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.47	7.79	+1.68
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FPE vs. PFFA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FPE Sharpe Ratio is 2.22, which is comparable to the PFFA Sharpe Ratio of 2.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FPE and PFFA, 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

	FPE	PFFA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.22	2.12	+0.10
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.47	0.57	-0.11
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.50	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.53	0.24	+0.29

Drawdowns

FPE vs. PFFA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FPE drawdown since its inception was -33.35%, smaller than the maximum PFFA drawdown of -70.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FPE and PFFA.

Drawdown Indicators

	FPE	PFFA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.35%	-70.52%	+37.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.08%	-6.49%	+2.41%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.66%	-12.15%	+7.49%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.65%	-22.70%	+3.05%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.35%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.84%	-1.50%	+0.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.33%	-6.65%	+3.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.90%	1.90%	-1.00%

Volatility

FPE vs. PFFA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Preferred Securities & Income ETF (FPE) is 1.10%, while Virtus InfraCap U.S. Preferred Stock ETF (PFFA) has a volatility of 1.87%. This indicates that FPE experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PFFA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FPE	PFFA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.10%	1.87%	-0.77%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.09%	5.68%	-2.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.85%	7.02%	-3.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.61%	11.51%	-4.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.17%	31.84%	-21.67%

FPE vs. PFFA - Expense Ratio Comparison

FPE has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is lower than PFFA's 1.47% expense ratio.

Dividends

FPE vs. PFFA - Dividend Comparison

FPE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.84%, less than PFFA's 9.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FPE First Trust Preferred Securities & Income ETF	5.84%	5.81%	5.68%	6.03%	5.67%	4.48%	4.88%	5.32%	6.14%	5.39%	5.97%	5.49%
PFFA Virtus InfraCap U.S. Preferred Stock ETF	9.62%	9.47%	9.18%	9.56%	10.75%	7.64%	8.54%	10.02%	5.15%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FPE and PFFA in my portfolio?

FPE and PFFA have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FPE or PFFA?

PFFA has higher volatility (1.87%) compared to FPE (1.10%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FPE dropped -33.35% vs PFFA's -70.52%.

Which ETF is better, FPE or PFFA?

On 5-year performance, PFFA leads with 6.57% vs 3.08% for FPE. On fees, FPE is cheaper at 0.85% per year. On volatility, FPE has been the lower-risk option at 1.10%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FPE or PFFA?

Over the 5-year period, PFFA has performed better with a 6.57% return vs 3.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FPE or PFFA?

FPE is cheaper with a 0.85% expense ratio, compared with 1.47% for PFFA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FPE or PFFA?

PFFA has the higher dividend yield at 9.62%, compared with 5.84% for FPE.

What is the main difference between FPE and PFFA?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Virtus Investment Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for FPE and 1.47% for PFFA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FPE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.22 vs 2.12), 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.