PFFD vs. PREF

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PFFD (Global X U.S. Preferred ETF) and PREF (Principal Spectrum Preferred Secs Active ETF) are both Preferred Stock/Convertible Bonds funds. PFFD is passively managed, while PREF is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, PFFD returned -0.16%/yr vs 3.07%/yr for PREF. At a 0.37 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. PFFD charges 0.23%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for PREF.

Performance

PFFD vs. PREF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X U.S. Preferred ETF (PFFD) and Principal Spectrum Preferred Secs Active ETF (PREF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PFFD achieves a 2.29% return, which is significantly higher than PREF's 1.65% return.

PFFD

• 1D: -0.58%
• 1M: 0.16%
• YTD: 2.29%
• 6M: 2.67%
• 1Y: 7.65%
• 3Y*: 5.10%
• 5Y*: -0.16%
• 10Y*: —

PREF

• 1D: -0.13%
• 1M: 0.52%
• YTD: 1.65%
• 6M: 2.32%
• 1Y: 6.65%
• 3Y*: 9.25%
• 5Y*: 3.07%
• 10Y*: —

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

PFFD vs. PREF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PFFD Global X U.S. Preferred ETF	2.29%	3.22%	7.07%	6.85%	-20.20%	5.07%	8.90%	17.43%	-3.94%	0.85%
PREF Principal Spectrum Preferred Secs Active ETF	1.65%	7.64%	11.43%	7.36%	-11.80%	2.08%	7.52%	17.32%	-5.45%	1.10%

Correlation

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

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.37
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.43
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 14, 2017	0.37

PFFD vs. PREF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PFFD	PREF
Financial Services	59.1%	100.0%
Utilities	15.3%	-
Technology	6.3%	-
Industrials	5.4%	-
Communication Services	4.4%	-
Real Estate	4.0%	-
Basic Materials	3.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	1.6%	-
Healthcare	0.8%	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-

Return for Risk

PFFD vs. PREF — Risk / Return Rank

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

PFFD

PFFD Risk / Return Rank: 27
PFFD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
PFFD Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
PFFD Omega Ratio Rank: 27
PFFD Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
PFFD Martin Ratio Rank: 27

PREF

PREF Risk / Return Rank: 64
PREF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
PREF Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
PREF Omega Ratio Rank: 75
PREF Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
PREF Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

PFFD vs. PREF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X U.S. Preferred ETF (PFFD) and Principal Spectrum Preferred Secs Active ETF (PREF). 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.

	PFFD	PREF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.07	2.16	-1.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.55	3.10	-1.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.45	-0.26
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.29	2.32	-1.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.81	12.09	-8.28
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PFFD vs. PREF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PFFD Sharpe Ratio is 1.07, which is lower than the PREF Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PFFD and PREF, 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

	PFFD	PREF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.07	2.16	-1.09
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.01	0.63	-0.65
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.21	0.66	-0.45

Drawdowns

PFFD vs. PREF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PFFD drawdown since its inception was -30.93%, which is greater than PREF's maximum drawdown of -22.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PFFD and PREF.

Drawdown Indicators

	PFFD	PREF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-30.93%	-22.99%	-7.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.97%	-2.88%	-3.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.84%	-4.39%	-6.45%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.45%	-16.99%	-7.46%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.68%	-0.13%	-3.55%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.59%	-3.66%	-2.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.01%	0.55%	+1.46%

Volatility

PFFD vs. PREF - Volatility Comparison

Global X U.S. Preferred ETF (PFFD) has a higher volatility of 2.09% compared to Principal Spectrum Preferred Secs Active ETF (PREF) at 0.69%. This indicates that PFFD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PREF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PFFD	PREF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.09%	0.69%	+1.40%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.32%	2.51%	+2.81%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.19%	3.09%	+4.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.98%	4.87%	+6.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.76%	6.30%	+6.46%

PFFD vs. PREF - Expense Ratio Comparison

PFFD has a 0.23% expense ratio, which is lower than PREF's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

PFFD vs. PREF - Dividend Comparison

PFFD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.37%, more than PREF's 5.16% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PFFD Global X U.S. Preferred ETF	6.37%	6.37%	6.42%	6.49%	6.63%	5.09%	5.17%	5.48%	6.21%	1.94%
PREF Principal Spectrum Preferred Secs Active ETF	5.16%	4.87%	4.65%	4.67%	4.63%	4.07%	4.35%	4.67%	5.49%	2.35%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PFFD and PREF in my portfolio?

PFFD and PREF 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 is riskier, PFFD or PREF?

PFFD has higher volatility (2.09%) compared to PREF (0.69%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PFFD dropped -30.93% vs PREF's -22.99%.

Which ETF is better, PFFD or PREF?

On 5-year performance, PREF leads with 3.07% vs -0.16% for PFFD. On fees, PFFD is cheaper at 0.23% per year. On volatility, PREF has been the lower-risk option at 0.69%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PFFD or PREF?

Over the 5-year period, PREF has performed better with a 3.07% return vs -0.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PFFD or PREF?

PFFD is cheaper with a 0.23% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for PREF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PFFD or PREF?

PFFD has the higher dividend yield at 6.37%, compared with 5.16% for PREF.

What is the main difference between PFFD and PREF?

They also come from different issuers: Global X and Principal. Their fees differ too: 0.23% for PFFD and 0.55% for PREF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PREF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 1.07), 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.