PFFV vs. FPFD

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

PFFV (Global X Variable Rate Preferred ETF) and FPFD (Fidelity Preferred Securities & Income ETF) are both Preferred Stock/Convertible Bonds funds. PFFV is passively managed, while FPFD is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, PFFV returned 1.93%/yr vs 1.66%/yr for FPFD. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PFFV charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for FPFD.

Performance

PFFV vs. FPFD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Variable Rate Preferred ETF (PFFV) and Fidelity Preferred Securities & Income ETF (FPFD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PFFV achieves a 2.21% return, which is significantly higher than FPFD's 0.75% return.

PFFV

• 1D: -0.29%
• 1M: -0.52%
• YTD: 2.21%
• 6M: 2.05%
• 1Y: 3.81%
• 3Y*: 7.69%
• 5Y*: 1.93%
• 10Y*: —

FPFD

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 0.07%
• YTD: 0.75%
• 6M: 0.72%
• 1Y: 5.06%
• 3Y*: 7.78%
• 5Y*: 1.66%
• 10Y*: —

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

PFFV vs. FPFD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
PFFV Global X Variable Rate Preferred ETF	2.21%	2.08%	9.45%	10.64%	-13.81%	1.45%
FPFD Fidelity Preferred Securities & Income ETF	0.75%	6.46%	8.50%	10.91%	-17.11%	1.84%

Correlation

The correlation between PFFV and FPFD is 0.63, 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	0.63
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.61
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.63
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 17, 2021	0.63

The correlation between PFFV and FPFD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.61 to 0.63 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PFFV vs. FPFD — Risk / Return Rank

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

PFFV

PFFV Risk / Return Rank: 26
PFFV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
PFFV Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
PFFV Omega Ratio Rank: 25
PFFV Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
PFFV Martin Ratio Rank: 26

FPFD

FPFD Risk / Return Rank: 53
FPFD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
FPFD Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
FPFD Omega Ratio Rank: 61
FPFD Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
FPFD Martin Ratio Rank: 43

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.

PFFV vs. FPFD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Variable Rate Preferred ETF (PFFV) and Fidelity Preferred Securities & Income ETF (FPFD). 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.

	PFFV	FPFD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.91	1.72	-0.81
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.33	2.53	-1.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.33	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.19	1.85	-0.66
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.30	6.46	-3.17

PFFV vs. FPFD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PFFV Sharpe Ratio is 0.91, which is lower than the FPFD Sharpe Ratio of 1.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PFFV and FPFD, 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

PFFV vs. FPFD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PFFV drawdown since its inception was -18.96%, smaller than the maximum FPFD drawdown of -20.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PFFV and FPFD.

Drawdown Indicators

	PFFV	FPFD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.96%	-20.83%	+1.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.23%	-2.75%	-0.48%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.07%	-4.92%	-1.15%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.96%	-20.83%	+1.87%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.00%	-1.20%	+0.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.15%	-6.75%	+2.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.16%	0.78%	+0.38%

Volatility

PFFV vs. FPFD - Volatility Comparison

Global X Variable Rate Preferred ETF (PFFV) has a higher volatility of 1.24% compared to Fidelity Preferred Securities & Income ETF (FPFD) at 0.75%. This indicates that PFFV's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FPFD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PFFV	FPFD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.24%	0.75%	+0.49%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.98%	2.29%	+0.69%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.24%	2.98%	+1.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.86%	5.31%	+3.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.66%	5.29%	+3.37%

PFFV vs. FPFD - Expense Ratio Comparison

PFFV has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than FPFD's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

PFFV vs. FPFD - Dividend Comparison

PFFV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.17%, more than FPFD's 5.15% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
FPFD Fidelity Preferred Securities & Income ETF	5.15%	5.04%	4.89%	5.09%	5.22%	1.59%	0.00%
PFFV Global X Variable Rate Preferred ETF	8.17%	8.26%	7.33%	7.17%	6.60%	5.23%	2.29%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PFFV and FPFD in my portfolio?

PFFV and FPFD have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PFFV or FPFD?

PFFV has higher volatility (1.24%) compared to FPFD (0.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PFFV dropped -18.96% vs FPFD's -20.83%.

Which ETF is better, PFFV or FPFD?

On 5-year performance, PFFV leads with 1.93% vs 1.66% for FPFD. On fees, PFFV is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, FPFD has been the lower-risk option at 0.75%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PFFV or FPFD?

Over the 5-year period, PFFV has performed better with a 1.93% return vs 1.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PFFV or FPFD?

PFFV is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for FPFD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PFFV or FPFD?

PFFV has the higher dividend yield at 8.17%, compared with 5.15% for FPFD.

What is the main difference between PFFV and FPFD?

They also come from different issuers: Global X and Fidelity. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for PFFV and 0.59% for FPFD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FPFD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.72 vs 0.91), 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.