PFXF vs. CSPF

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PFXF (VanEck Vectors Preferred Securities ex Financials ETF) and CSPF (Cohen & Steers Preferred and Income Opportunities Active ETF) are both Preferred Stock/Convertible Bonds funds. PFXF is passively managed, while CSPF is actively managed. Over the past year, PFXF returned 15.10% vs 8.38% for CSPF. At a 0.47 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. PFXF charges 0.41%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for CSPF.

Performance

PFXF vs. CSPF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Vectors Preferred Securities ex Financials ETF (PFXF) and Cohen & Steers Preferred and Income Opportunities Active ETF (CSPF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PFXF achieves a 5.24% return, which is significantly higher than CSPF's 3.08% return.

PFXF

• 1D: -0.33%
• 1M: -1.17%
• YTD: 5.24%
• 6M: 4.73%
• 1Y: 15.10%
• 3Y*: 9.41%
• 5Y*: 3.74%
• 10Y*: 5.12%

CSPF

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.63%
• YTD: 3.08%
• 6M: 2.96%
• 1Y: 8.38%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PFXF vs. CSPF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PFXF VanEck Vectors Preferred Securities ex Financials ETF	5.24%	9.10%
CSPF Cohen & Steers Preferred and Income Opportunities Active ETF	3.08%	8.22%

Correlation

The correlation between PFXF and CSPF is 0.50, 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	0.50
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 5, 2025	0.47

The correlation between PFXF and CSPF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.47 to 0.50 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PFXF vs. CSPF — Risk / Return Rank

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

PFXF

PFXF Risk / Return Rank: 50
PFXF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
PFXF Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
PFXF Omega Ratio Rank: 47
PFXF Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
PFXF Martin Ratio Rank: 52

CSPF

CSPF Risk / Return Rank: 70
CSPF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
CSPF Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
CSPF Omega Ratio Rank: 75
CSPF Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
CSPF Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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.

PFXF vs. CSPF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Vectors Preferred Securities ex Financials ETF (PFXF) and Cohen & Steers Preferred and Income Opportunities Active ETF (CSPF). 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.

	PFXF	CSPF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.61	2.03	-0.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.32	2.97	-0.65
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.40	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.60	2.75	-0.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.59	12.46	-3.87

PFXF vs. CSPF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PFXF Sharpe Ratio is 1.61, which is comparable to the CSPF Sharpe Ratio of 2.03. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PFXF and CSPF, 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

PFXF vs. CSPF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PFXF drawdown since its inception was -35.49%, which is greater than CSPF's maximum drawdown of -3.06%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PFXF and CSPF.

Drawdown Indicators

	PFXF	CSPF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.49%	-3.06%	-32.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.83%	-3.06%	-2.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.90%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.80%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.49%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.96%	-0.11%	-3.85%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.90%	-0.43%	-3.47%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.76%	0.67%	+1.09%

Volatility

PFXF vs. CSPF - Volatility Comparison

VanEck Vectors Preferred Securities ex Financials ETF (PFXF) has a higher volatility of 3.71% compared to Cohen & Steers Preferred and Income Opportunities Active ETF (CSPF) at 1.16%. This indicates that PFXF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than CSPF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PFXF	CSPF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.71%	1.16%	+2.55%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.33%	3.15%	+4.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.42%	4.15%	+5.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.00%	4.17%	+6.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.25%	4.17%	+9.08%

PFXF vs. CSPF - Expense Ratio Comparison

PFXF has a 0.41% expense ratio, which is lower than CSPF's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

PFXF vs. CSPF - Dividend Comparison

PFXF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.27%, more than CSPF's 5.14% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CSPF Cohen & Steers Preferred and Income Opportunities Active ETF	5.14%	4.63%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
PFXF VanEck Vectors Preferred Securities ex Financials ETF	6.27%	6.72%	7.82%	7.88%	6.74%	4.66%	5.19%	5.35%	6.56%	5.93%	5.81%	5.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PFXF and CSPF in my portfolio?

PFXF and CSPF have a correlation of 0.50, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PFXF or CSPF?

PFXF has higher volatility (3.71%) compared to CSPF (1.16%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PFXF dropped -35.49% vs CSPF's -3.06%.

Which ETF is better, PFXF or CSPF?

On 1-year performance, PFXF leads with 15.10% vs 8.38% for CSPF. On fees, PFXF is cheaper at 0.41% per year. On volatility, CSPF has been the lower-risk option at 1.16%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PFXF or CSPF?

Over the 1-year period, PFXF has performed better with a 15.10% return vs 8.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PFXF or CSPF?

PFXF is cheaper with a 0.41% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for CSPF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PFXF or CSPF?

PFXF has the higher dividend yield at 6.27%, compared with 5.14% for CSPF.

What is the main difference between PFXF and CSPF?

They also come from different issuers: VanEck and Cohen & Steers. Their fees differ too: 0.41% for PFXF and 0.59% for CSPF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CSPF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.03 vs 1.61), 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.