PIEQ vs. IG

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

PIEQ (Principal International Equity ETF) and IG (Principal Investment Grade Corporate Active ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PIEQ is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Principal, while IG is a Corporate Bonds fund actively managed by Principal. Both are actively managed. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PIEQ charges 0.48%/yr vs 0.26%/yr for IG.

Performance

PIEQ vs. IG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Principal International Equity ETF (PIEQ) and Principal Investment Grade Corporate Active ETF (IG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

PIEQ

• 1D: -0.93%
• 1M: 2.59%
• YTD: 9.31%
• 6M: 10.51%
• 1Y: 29.79%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IG

• 1D: -0.29%
• 1M: 0.74%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PIEQ vs. IG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
PIEQ Principal International Equity ETF	3.09%
IG Principal Investment Grade Corporate Active ETF	-0.03%

Correlation

The correlation between PIEQ and IG is 0.78, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 22, 2026	0.78

Return for Risk

PIEQ vs. IG — Risk / Return Rank

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

PIEQ

PIEQ Risk / Return Rank: 59
PIEQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
PIEQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
PIEQ Omega Ratio Rank: 55
PIEQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
PIEQ Martin Ratio Rank: 68

IG

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

PIEQ vs. IG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal International Equity ETF (PIEQ) and Principal Investment Grade Corporate Active ETF (IG). 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.

	PIEQ	IG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.79	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.51	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.14	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.26	—	—

Drawdowns

PIEQ vs. IG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PIEQ drawdown since its inception was -15.17%, which is greater than IG's maximum drawdown of -1.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PIEQ and IG.

Drawdown Indicators

	PIEQ	IG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.17%	-1.75%	-13.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.53%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.56%	-0.44%	-1.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.94%	-0.45%	-1.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.44%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PIEQ	IG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.66%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.64%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.74%	4.85%	+11.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.69%	4.85%	+12.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.69%	4.85%	+12.84%

PIEQ vs. IG - Expense Ratio Comparison

PIEQ has a 0.48% expense ratio, which is higher than IG's 0.26% expense ratio.

Dividends

PIEQ vs. IG - Dividend Comparison

PIEQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.17%, more than IG's 0.84% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
IG Principal Investment Grade Corporate Active ETF	0.84%	0.00%	0.00%
PIEQ Principal International Equity ETF	1.17%	1.28%	0.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PIEQ and IG in my portfolio?

PIEQ and IG have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, PIEQ or IG?

On fees, IG is cheaper at 0.26% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, PIEQ or IG?

IG is cheaper with a 0.26% expense ratio, compared with 0.48% for PIEQ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PIEQ or IG?

PIEQ has the higher dividend yield at 1.17%, compared with 0.84% for IG.

What is the main difference between PIEQ and IG?

PIEQ is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while IG is Corporate Bonds. Their fees differ too: 0.48% for PIEQ and 0.26% for IG.