PIEQ vs. VEU

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

PIEQ (Principal International Equity ETF) and VEU (Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. PIEQ is actively managed, while VEU is passively managed. Over the past year, PIEQ returned 29.79% vs 35.21% for VEU. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PIEQ charges 0.48%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VEU.

Performance

PIEQ vs. VEU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Principal International Equity ETF (PIEQ) and Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF (VEU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PIEQ achieves a 9.31% return, which is significantly lower than VEU's 16.58% return.

PIEQ

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

VEU

• 1D: 0.37%
• 1M: 3.87%
• YTD: 16.58%
• 6M: 17.12%
• 1Y: 35.21%
• 3Y*: 20.50%
• 5Y*: 9.48%
• 10Y*: 10.74%

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

PIEQ vs. VEU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
PIEQ Principal International Equity ETF	9.31%	38.10%	-2.98%
VEU Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF	16.58%	32.35%	-4.45%

Correlation

The correlation between PIEQ and VEU is 0.88, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 6, 2024	0.88

The correlation between PIEQ and VEU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PIEQ vs. VEU — 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

VEU

VEU Risk / Return Rank: 68
VEU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
VEU Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
VEU Omega Ratio Rank: 71
VEU Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
VEU Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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. VEU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal International Equity ETF (PIEQ) and Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF (VEU). 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	VEU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.79	2.19	-0.40
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.51	2.98	-0.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.40	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.14	3.10	+0.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.26	11.87	+0.39

PIEQ vs. VEU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PIEQ Sharpe Ratio is 1.79, which is comparable to the VEU Sharpe Ratio of 2.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PIEQ and VEU, 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

PIEQ vs. VEU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PIEQ drawdown since its inception was -15.17%, smaller than the maximum VEU drawdown of -61.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PIEQ and VEU.

Drawdown Indicators

	PIEQ	VEU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.17%	-61.52%	+46.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.53%	-11.43%	+1.90%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.69%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.14%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.98%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.56%	0.00%	-1.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.94%	-13.10%	+11.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.44%	2.97%	-0.53%

Volatility

PIEQ vs. VEU - Volatility Comparison

Principal International Equity ETF (PIEQ) has a higher volatility of 6.66% compared to Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF (VEU) at 6.30%. This indicates that PIEQ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VEU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PIEQ	VEU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.66%	6.30%	+0.36%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.64%	14.12%	+0.52%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.74%	16.16%	+0.58%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.69%	16.24%	+1.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.69%	17.23%	+0.46%

PIEQ vs. VEU - Expense Ratio Comparison

PIEQ has a 0.48% expense ratio, which is higher than VEU's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

PIEQ vs. VEU - Dividend Comparison

PIEQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.17%, less than VEU's 2.48% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PIEQ Principal International Equity ETF	1.17%	1.28%	0.10%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VEU Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF	2.48%	3.09%	3.24%	3.32%	3.12%	3.08%	2.00%	3.10%	3.27%	2.66%	2.96%	2.95%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PIEQ and VEU in my portfolio?

PIEQ and VEU have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PIEQ or VEU?

PIEQ has higher volatility (6.66%) compared to VEU (6.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PIEQ dropped -15.17% vs VEU's -61.52%.

Which ETF is better, PIEQ or VEU?

On 1-year performance, VEU leads with 35.21% vs 29.79% for PIEQ. On fees, VEU is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, VEU has been the lower-risk option at 6.30%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PIEQ or VEU?

Over the 1-year period, VEU has performed better with a 35.21% return vs 29.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PIEQ or VEU?

VEU is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.48% for PIEQ.

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

VEU has the higher dividend yield at 2.48%, compared with 1.17% for PIEQ.

What is the main difference between PIEQ and VEU?

They also come from different issuers: Principal and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.48% for PIEQ and 0.04% for VEU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.19 vs 1.79), 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.