HIDV vs. PQDI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

HIDV (AB US High Dividend ETF) and PQDI (Principal Spectrum Preferred and Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - HIDV is a Large Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein, while PQDI is a Preferred Stock/Convertible Bonds fund tracking the ICE BofA 7% Constrained DRD Eligible Preferred Securities Index. HIDV is actively managed, while PQDI is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, HIDV returned 20.68%/yr vs 9.15%/yr for PQDI. A 0.58 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. HIDV charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for PQDI.

Performance

HIDV vs. PQDI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AB US High Dividend ETF (HIDV) and Principal Spectrum Preferred and Income ETF (PQDI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HIDV achieves a 8.94% return, which is significantly higher than PQDI's 1.39% return.

HIDV

• 1D: -1.03%
• 1M: -1.16%
• YTD: 8.94%
• 6M: 8.20%
• 1Y: 24.57%
• 3Y*: 20.68%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PQDI

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: 0.48%
• YTD: 1.39%
• 6M: 1.47%
• 1Y: 6.43%
• 3Y*: 9.15%
• 5Y*: 3.17%
• 10Y*: —

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

HIDV vs. PQDI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
HIDV AB US High Dividend ETF	8.94%	14.64%	26.01%	20.30%
PQDI Principal Spectrum Preferred and Income ETF	1.39%	8.46%	9.99%	11.94%

Correlation

The correlation between HIDV and PQDI is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 22, 2023	0.58

The correlation between HIDV and PQDI shifts across timeframes, from 0.58 (all time) to 0.72 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

HIDV vs. PQDI — Risk / Return Rank

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

HIDV

HIDV Risk / Return Rank: 64
HIDV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
HIDV Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
HIDV Omega Ratio Rank: 65
HIDV Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
HIDV Martin Ratio Rank: 65

PQDI

PQDI Risk / Return Rank: 61
PQDI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
PQDI Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
PQDI Omega Ratio Rank: 76
PQDI Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
PQDI Martin Ratio Rank: 53

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.

HIDV vs. PQDI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AB US High Dividend ETF (HIDV) and Principal Spectrum Preferred and Income ETF (PQDI). 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.

	HIDV	PQDI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.02	1.97	+0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.82	2.89	-0.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.42	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.58	1.95	+0.63
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.05	8.62	+2.43

HIDV vs. PQDI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HIDV Sharpe Ratio is 2.02, which is comparable to the PQDI Sharpe Ratio of 1.97. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HIDV and PQDI, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

HIDV vs. PQDI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HIDV drawdown since its inception was -18.76%, which is greater than PQDI's maximum drawdown of -17.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HIDV and PQDI.

Drawdown Indicators

	HIDV	PQDI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.76%	-17.41%	-1.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.57%	-3.31%	-6.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.76%	-3.31%	-15.45%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-17.41%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.75%	-0.43%	-2.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.05%	-3.48%	+1.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.23%	0.75%	+1.48%

Volatility

HIDV vs. PQDI - Volatility Comparison

AB US High Dividend ETF (HIDV) has a higher volatility of 4.12% compared to Principal Spectrum Preferred and Income ETF (PQDI) at 0.89%. This indicates that HIDV's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PQDI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HIDV	PQDI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.12%	0.89%	+3.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.57%	2.90%	+6.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.27%	3.27%	+9.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.57%	4.70%	+9.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.57%	4.54%	+10.03%

HIDV vs. PQDI - Expense Ratio Comparison

HIDV has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than PQDI's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

HIDV vs. PQDI - Dividend Comparison

HIDV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.38%, less than PQDI's 5.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
HIDV AB US High Dividend ETF	2.38%	2.22%	2.29%	2.23%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
PQDI Principal Spectrum Preferred and Income ETF	5.45%	5.02%	4.93%	5.35%	5.60%	5.21%	2.69%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HIDV and PQDI in my portfolio?

HIDV and PQDI have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HIDV or PQDI?

HIDV has higher volatility (4.12%) compared to PQDI (0.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HIDV dropped -18.76% vs PQDI's -17.41%.

Which ETF is better, HIDV or PQDI?

On 3-year performance, HIDV leads with 20.68% vs 9.15% for PQDI. On fees, HIDV is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, PQDI has been the lower-risk option at 0.89%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HIDV or PQDI?

Over the 3-year period, HIDV has performed better with a 20.68% return vs 9.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HIDV or PQDI?

HIDV is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for PQDI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, HIDV or PQDI?

PQDI has the higher dividend yield at 5.45%, compared with 2.38% for HIDV.

What is the main difference between HIDV and PQDI?

HIDV is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while PQDI is Preferred Stock/Convertible Bonds. They also come from different issuers: AllianceBernstein and Principal. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for HIDV and 0.60% for PQDI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HIDV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.02 vs 1.97), 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.