PFFL vs. HDLB

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

PFFL (ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged Preferred Stock ETN) and HDLB (ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged US High Dividend Low Volatility ETN Series B) are both exchange-traded funds - PFFL is a Preferred Stock/Convertible Bonds fund tracking the Solactive Preferred Stock ETF Index, while HDLB is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the Solactive US High Dividend Low Volatility (USD)(TR) (200%). Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, PFFL returned -6.81%/yr vs 14.24%/yr for HDLB. At a 0.39 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. PFFL charges 0.85%/yr vs 1.65%/yr for HDLB.

Performance

PFFL vs. HDLB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged Preferred Stock ETN (PFFL) and ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged US High Dividend Low Volatility ETN Series B (HDLB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PFFL achieves a -3.27% return, which is significantly lower than HDLB's 23.29% return.

PFFL

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

HDLB

• 1D: 5.20%
• 1M: 7.50%
• 6M: 16.66%
• YTD: 23.29%
• 1Y: 26.50%
• 3Y*: 30.80%
• 5Y*: 14.24%
• 10Y*: —

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

PFFL vs. HDLB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
PFFL ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged Preferred Stock ETN	-3.27%	2.18%	4.77%	8.65%	-39.15%	7.52%	-15.47%	0.83%
HDLB ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged US High Dividend Low Volatility ETN Series B	23.29%	27.26%	28.21%	-4.12%	-11.46%	62.67%	-50.94%	8.33%

Correlation

The correlation between PFFL and HDLB is 0.16, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.16
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.29
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.37
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 25, 2019	0.39

Over the past year, the correlation between PFFL and HDLB has dropped to 0.16 - well below their long-term average of 0.39, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

PFFL vs. HDLB — Risk / Return Rank

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

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

HDLB

HDLB Risk / Return Rank: 33
HDLB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
HDLB Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
HDLB Omega Ratio Rank: 30
HDLB Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
HDLB Martin Ratio Rank: 31

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.

PFFL vs. HDLB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged Preferred Stock ETN (PFFL) and ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged US High Dividend Low Volatility ETN Series B (HDLB). 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.

	PFFL	HDLB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.02	0.95	-0.97
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.08	1.48	-1.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.01	1.18	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.03	1.65	-1.68
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.06	3.55	-3.62

PFFL vs. HDLB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PFFL Sharpe Ratio is -0.02, which is lower than the HDLB Sharpe Ratio of 0.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PFFL and HDLB, 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

PFFL vs. HDLB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PFFL drawdown since its inception was -80.68%, roughly equal to the maximum HDLB drawdown of -78.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PFFL and HDLB.

Drawdown Indicators

	PFFL	HDLB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-80.68%	-78.70%	-1.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.92%	-16.17%	+4.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.75%	-22.15%	-1.60%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-48.51%	-43.81%	-4.70%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-40.41%	-3.49%	-36.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-28.68%	-27.16%	-1.52%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.63%	7.48%	-1.85%

Volatility

PFFL vs. HDLB - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged Preferred Stock ETN (PFFL) is 4.10%, while ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged US High Dividend Low Volatility ETN Series B (HDLB) has a volatility of 11.31%. This indicates that PFFL experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than HDLB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PFFL	HDLB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.10%	11.31%	-7.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.00%	21.25%	-10.25%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.37%	28.09%	-11.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.70%	30.91%	-7.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	54.95%	43.46%	+11.49%

PFFL vs. HDLB - Expense Ratio Comparison

PFFL has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is lower than HDLB's 1.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

PFFL vs. HDLB - Dividend Comparison

PFFL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 12.72%, more than HDLB's 10.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
HDLB ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged US High Dividend Low Volatility ETN Series B	10.34%	12.20%	10.09%	12.36%	10.86%	8.07%	16.23%	0.97%	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 PFFL and HDLB in my portfolio?

PFFL and HDLB have a correlation of 0.16, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PFFL or HDLB?

HDLB has higher volatility (11.31%) compared to PFFL (4.10%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PFFL dropped -80.68% vs HDLB's -78.70%.

Which ETF is better, PFFL or HDLB?

On 5-year performance, HDLB leads with 14.24% vs -6.81% for PFFL. On fees, PFFL is cheaper at 0.85% per year. On volatility, PFFL has been the lower-risk option at 4.10%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PFFL or HDLB?

Over the 5-year period, HDLB has performed better with a 14.24% return vs -6.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PFFL or HDLB?

PFFL is cheaper with a 0.85% expense ratio, compared with 1.65% for HDLB.

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

PFFL has the higher dividend yield at 12.72%, compared with 10.34% for HDLB.

What is the main difference between PFFL and HDLB?

PFFL is categorized as Preferred Stock/Convertible Bonds, while HDLB is Leveraged Equities. PFFL tracks Solactive Preferred Stock ETF Index, while HDLB tracks Solactive US High Dividend Low Volatility (USD)(TR) (200%). Their fees differ too: 0.85% for PFFL and 1.65% for HDLB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HDLB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.95 vs -0.02), 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.