IG vs. PIEQ

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

IG (Principal Investment Grade Corporate Active ETF) and PIEQ (Principal International Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IG is a Corporate Bonds fund actively managed by Principal, while PIEQ is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Principal. Both are actively managed. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IG charges 0.26%/yr vs 0.48%/yr for PIEQ.

Performance

IG vs. PIEQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Principal Investment Grade Corporate Active ETF (IG) and Principal International Equity ETF (PIEQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

IG

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 0.55%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PIEQ

• 1D: 1.57%
• 1M: 4.84%
• YTD: 11.04%
• 6M: 13.79%
• 1Y: 31.68%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

IG vs. PIEQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
IG Principal Investment Grade Corporate Active ETF	0.01%
PIEQ Principal International Equity ETF	4.13%

Correlation

The correlation between IG and PIEQ is 0.74, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 23, 2026	0.74

Return for Risk

IG vs. PIEQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

PIEQ

PIEQ Risk / Return Rank: 63
PIEQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
PIEQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
PIEQ Omega Ratio Rank: 59
PIEQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
PIEQ Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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.

IG vs. PIEQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal Investment Grade Corporate Active ETF (IG) and Principal International Equity ETF (PIEQ). 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	IG	PIEQ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.01	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.02	1.68	-1.67

Drawdowns

IG vs. PIEQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IG drawdown since its inception was -1.75%, smaller than the maximum PIEQ drawdown of -15.17%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IG and PIEQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	IG	PIEQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.75%	-15.17%	+13.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-9.53%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.09%	0.00%	-0.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.54%	-1.94%	+1.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.38%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	IG	PIEQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.46%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	13.51%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.94%	15.87%	-10.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.94%	17.37%	-12.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.94%	17.37%	-12.43%

IG vs. PIEQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

IG has a 0.26% expense ratio, which is lower than PIEQ's 0.48% expense ratio.

Dividends

IG vs. PIEQ - Dividend Comparison

IG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.84%, less than PIEQ's 1.16% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
IG Principal Investment Grade Corporate Active ETF	0.84%	0.00%	0.00%
PIEQ Principal International Equity ETF	1.16%	1.28%	0.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IG and PIEQ in my portfolio?

IG and PIEQ have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, IG or PIEQ?

On fees, IG is cheaper at 0.26% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, IG or PIEQ?

IG is cheaper with a 0.26% expense ratio, compared with 0.48% for PIEQ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IG or PIEQ?

PIEQ has the higher dividend yield at 1.16%, compared with 0.84% for IG.

What is the main difference between IG and PIEQ?

IG is categorized as Corporate Bonds, while PIEQ is Foreign Large Cap Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.26% for IG and 0.48% for PIEQ.