PGX vs. SPHD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PGX (Invesco Preferred ETF) and SPHD (Invesco S&P 500® High Dividend Low Volatility ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PGX is a Preferred Stock/Convertible Bonds fund tracking the BofA Merrill Lynch Core Fixed Rate Preferred Securities Index, while SPHD is a Dividend fund tracking the S&P 500 Low Volatility High Dividend Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PGX returned 2.36%/yr vs 7.08%/yr for SPHD. At a 0.38 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. PGX charges 0.52%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for SPHD.

Performance

PGX vs. SPHD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco Preferred ETF (PGX) and Invesco S&P 500® High Dividend Low Volatility ETF (SPHD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PGX achieves a -0.18% return, which is significantly lower than SPHD's 4.38% return. Over the past 10 years, PGX has underperformed SPHD with an annualized return of 2.36%, while SPHD has yielded a comparatively higher 7.08% annualized return.

PGX

• 1D: -0.45%
• 1M: -0.99%
• YTD: -0.18%
• 6M: 0.04%
• 1Y: 5.73%
• 3Y*: 4.24%
• 5Y*: -0.74%
• 10Y*: 2.36%

SPHD

• 1D: -0.89%
• 1M: -0.82%
• YTD: 4.38%
• 6M: 4.63%
• 1Y: 8.12%
• 3Y*: 11.42%
• 5Y*: 5.48%
• 10Y*: 7.08%

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

PGX vs. SPHD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PGX Invesco Preferred ETF	-0.18%	3.48%	6.53%	9.48%	-21.16%	3.15%	7.09%	17.09%	-4.01%	10.48%
SPHD Invesco S&P 500® High Dividend Low Volatility ETF	4.38%	3.41%	18.08%	1.32%	0.58%	24.98%	-9.98%	20.26%	-6.17%	11.90%

Correlation

The correlation between PGX and SPHD is 0.38, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.38
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.45
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.43
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.38
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 31, 2012	0.38

PGX vs. SPHD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PGX	SPHD
Financial Services	70.9%	15.6%
Utilities	8.2%	13.7%
Real Estate	6.5%	20.1%
Communication Services	6.5%	8.6%
Consumer Cyclical	1.9%	3.4%
Industrials	0.8%	0.0%
Basic Materials	0.1%	-
Consumer Defensive	-	17.8%
Energy	-	14.1%
Healthcare	-	5.1%
Technology	-	1.5%

Return for Risk

PGX vs. SPHD — Risk / Return Rank

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

PGX

PGX Risk / Return Rank: 24
PGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
PGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
PGX Omega Ratio Rank: 24
PGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
PGX Martin Ratio Rank: 21

SPHD

SPHD Risk / Return Rank: 21
SPHD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
SPHD Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
SPHD Omega Ratio Rank: 19
SPHD Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
SPHD Martin Ratio Rank: 22

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.

PGX vs. SPHD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco Preferred ETF (PGX) and Invesco S&P 500® High Dividend Low Volatility ETF (SPHD). 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.

	PGX	SPHD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.94	0.74	+0.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.45	1.15	+0.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.13	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.16	1.11	+0.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.57	2.78	-0.21
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PGX vs. SPHD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PGX Sharpe Ratio is 0.94, which is comparable to the SPHD Sharpe Ratio of 0.74. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PGX and SPHD, 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

	PGX	SPHD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.94	0.74	+0.20
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.07	0.39	-0.46
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.18	0.40	-0.22
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.14	0.58	-0.44

Drawdowns

PGX vs. SPHD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PGX drawdown since its inception was -66.44%, which is greater than SPHD's maximum drawdown of -41.39%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PGX and SPHD.

Drawdown Indicators

	PGX	SPHD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-66.44%	-41.39%	-25.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.98%	-7.33%	+2.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.17%	-13.29%	+2.12%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.67%	-19.50%	-5.17%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.10%	-41.39%	+7.29%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.29%	-5.37%	+0.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.13%	-4.70%	-3.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.23%	2.93%	-0.70%

Volatility

PGX vs. SPHD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco Preferred ETF (PGX) is 1.73%, while Invesco S&P 500® High Dividend Low Volatility ETF (SPHD) has a volatility of 2.99%. This indicates that PGX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SPHD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PGX	SPHD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.73%	2.99%	-1.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.12%	7.55%	-3.43%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.11%	11.04%	-4.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.11%	14.16%	-3.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.02%	17.64%	-4.62%

PGX vs. SPHD - Expense Ratio Comparison

PGX has a 0.52% expense ratio, which is higher than SPHD's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

PGX vs. SPHD - Dividend Comparison

PGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.23%, more than SPHD's 4.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PGX Invesco Preferred ETF	6.23%	6.03%	5.95%	6.42%	6.29%	4.82%	4.89%	4.85%	6.09%	5.66%	6.02%	5.84%
SPHD Invesco S&P 500® High Dividend Low Volatility ETF	4.62%	4.02%	3.41%	4.48%	3.89%	3.45%	4.89%	4.07%	4.40%	3.14%	3.83%	3.49%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PGX and SPHD in my portfolio?

PGX and SPHD have a correlation of 0.38, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PGX or SPHD?

SPHD has higher volatility (2.99%) compared to PGX (1.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PGX dropped -66.44% vs SPHD's -41.39%.

Which ETF is better, PGX or SPHD?

On 10-year performance, SPHD leads with 7.08% vs 2.36% for PGX. On fees, SPHD is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, PGX has been the lower-risk option at 1.73%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PGX or SPHD?

Over the 10-year period, SPHD has performed better with a 7.08% return vs 2.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PGX or SPHD?

SPHD is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.52% for PGX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PGX or SPHD?

PGX has the higher dividend yield at 6.23%, compared with 4.62% for SPHD.

What is the main difference between PGX and SPHD?

PGX is categorized as Preferred Stock/Convertible Bonds, while SPHD is Dividend. PGX tracks BofA Merrill Lynch Core Fixed Rate Preferred Securities Index, while SPHD tracks S&P 500 Low Volatility High Dividend Index. Their fees differ too: 0.52% for PGX and 0.30% for SPHD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PGX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.94 vs 0.74), 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.