PFFV vs. PQDI

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PFFV (Global X Variable Rate Preferred ETF) and PQDI (Principal Spectrum Preferred and Income ETF) are both Preferred Stock/Convertible Bonds funds - PFFV tracks the ICE U.S. Variable Rate Preferred Securities Index while PQDI tracks the ICE BofA 7% Constrained DRD Eligible Preferred Securities Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, PFFV returned 2.24%/yr vs 3.23%/yr for PQDI. A 0.52 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PFFV charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for PQDI.

Performance

PFFV vs. PQDI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Variable Rate Preferred ETF (PFFV) 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, PFFV achieves a 2.93% return, which is significantly higher than PQDI's 1.19% return.

PFFV

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 0.45%
• YTD: 2.93%
• 6M: 2.88%
• 1Y: 5.19%
• 3Y*: 7.51%
• 5Y*: 2.24%
• 10Y*: —

PQDI

• 1D: -0.13%
• 1M: 0.33%
• YTD: 1.19%
• 6M: 1.73%
• 1Y: 7.12%
• 3Y*: 9.06%
• 5Y*: 3.23%
• 10Y*: —

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

PFFV vs. PQDI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
PFFV Global X Variable Rate Preferred ETF	2.93%	2.08%	9.45%	10.64%	-13.81%	6.35%	13.36%
PQDI Principal Spectrum Preferred and Income ETF	1.19%	8.46%	9.99%	6.24%	-9.61%	3.10%	10.63%

Correlation

The correlation between PFFV and PQDI is 0.53, 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	0.53
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.51
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.55
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 25, 2020	0.52

The correlation between PFFV and PQDI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.51 to 0.55 - a consistent structural relationship.

PFFV vs. PQDI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PFFV	PQDI
Financial Services	72.1%	10.5%
Real Estate	19.6%	-
Energy	1.6%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	0.7%
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

PFFV vs. PQDI — Risk / Return Rank

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

PFFV

PFFV Risk / Return Rank: 33
PFFV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
PFFV Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
PFFV Omega Ratio Rank: 34
PFFV Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
PFFV Martin Ratio Rank: 31

PQDI

PQDI Risk / Return Rank: 63
PQDI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
PQDI Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
PQDI Omega Ratio Rank: 80
PQDI Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
PQDI Martin Ratio Rank: 56

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. PQDI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Variable Rate Preferred ETF (PFFV) 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.

	PFFV	PQDI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.27	2.22	-0.96
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.88	3.24	-1.36
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.48	-0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.61	2.16	-0.55
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.52	9.67	-5.15
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PFFV vs. PQDI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PFFV Sharpe Ratio is 1.27, which is lower than the PQDI Sharpe Ratio of 2.22. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PFFV 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	PFFV	PQDI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.27	2.22	-0.96
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.26	0.69	-0.44
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.56	1.03	-0.47

Drawdowns

PFFV vs. PQDI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PFFV drawdown since its inception was -18.96%, which is greater than PQDI's maximum drawdown of -17.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PFFV and PQDI.

Drawdown Indicators

	PFFV	PQDI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.96%	-17.41%	-1.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.23%	-3.31%	+0.08%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.07%	-3.31%	-2.76%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.96%	-17.41%	-1.55%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.31%	-0.63%	+0.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.18%	-3.51%	-0.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.15%	0.74%	+0.41%

Volatility

PFFV vs. PQDI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X Variable Rate Preferred ETF (PFFV) is 0.79%, while Principal Spectrum Preferred and Income ETF (PQDI) has a volatility of 1.07%. This indicates that PFFV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PQDI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PFFV	PQDI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.79%	1.07%	-0.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.84%	2.81%	+0.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.12%	3.22%	+0.90%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.84%	4.69%	+4.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.69%	4.55%	+4.14%

PFFV vs. PQDI - Expense Ratio Comparison

PFFV has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than PQDI's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

PFFV vs. PQDI - Dividend Comparison

PFFV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.12%, more than PQDI's 5.46% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
PFFV Global X Variable Rate Preferred ETF	8.12%	8.26%	7.33%	7.17%	6.60%	5.23%	2.29%
PQDI Principal Spectrum Preferred and Income ETF	5.46%	5.02%	4.93%	5.35%	5.60%	5.21%	2.69%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PFFV and PQDI in my portfolio?

PFFV and PQDI have a correlation of 0.53, 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 PQDI?

PQDI has higher volatility (1.07%) compared to PFFV (0.79%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PFFV dropped -18.96% vs PQDI's -17.41%.

Which ETF is better, PFFV or PQDI?

On 5-year performance, PQDI leads with 3.23% vs 2.24% for PFFV. On fees, PFFV is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, PFFV has been the lower-risk option at 0.79%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PFFV or PQDI?

Over the 5-year period, PQDI has performed better with a 3.23% return vs 2.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PFFV or PQDI?

PFFV is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for PQDI.

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

PFFV has the higher dividend yield at 8.12%, compared with 5.46% for PQDI.

What is the main difference between PFFV and PQDI?

PFFV tracks ICE U.S. Variable Rate Preferred Securities Index, while PQDI tracks ICE BofA 7% Constrained DRD Eligible Preferred Securities Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and Principal. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for PFFV and 0.60% for PQDI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PQDI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.22 vs 1.27), 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.