PQDI vs. PVIVX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PQDI (Principal Spectrum Preferred and Income ETF) and PVIVX (Paradigm Micro-cap Fund) are both funds - PQDI is a Preferred Stock/Convertible Bonds fund tracking the ICE BofA 7% Constrained DRD Eligible Preferred Securities Index, while PVIVX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Paradigm Funds. Over the past 5 years, PQDI returned 3.17%/yr vs 7.29%/yr for PVIVX. At a 0.48 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. PQDI charges 0.60%/yr vs 1.25%/yr for PVIVX.

Performance

PQDI vs. PVIVX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Principal Spectrum Preferred and Income ETF (PQDI) and Paradigm Micro-cap Fund (PVIVX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PQDI achieves a 1.39% return, which is significantly lower than PVIVX's 36.98% return.

PQDI

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: 0.48%
• YTD: 1.39%
• 6M: 1.47%
• 1Y: 6.43%
• 3Y*: 9.15%
• 5Y*: 3.17%
• 10Y*: —

PVIVX

• 1D: -0.65%
• 1M: 8.65%
• YTD: 36.98%
• 6M: 35.08%
• 1Y: 52.06%
• 3Y*: 16.34%
• 5Y*: 7.29%
• 10Y*: 15.50%

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

PQDI vs. PVIVX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
PQDI Principal Spectrum Preferred and Income ETF	1.39%	8.46%	9.99%	6.24%	-9.61%	3.10%	9.95%
PVIVX Paradigm Micro-cap Fund	36.98%	-4.81%	13.48%	17.89%	-20.62%	27.94%	51.88%

Correlation

The correlation between PQDI and PVIVX is 0.63, 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	0.63
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.49
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.48
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 17, 2020	0.48

The correlation between PQDI and PVIVX shifts across timeframes, from 0.48 (5 years) to 0.63 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

PQDI vs. PVIVX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PQDI

PQDI Risk / Return Rank: 61
PQDI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
PQDI Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
PQDI Omega Ratio Rank: 76
PQDI Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
PQDI Martin Ratio Rank: 53

PVIVX

PVIVX Risk / Return Rank: 60
PVIVX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
PVIVX Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
PVIVX Omega Ratio Rank: 46
PVIVX Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
PVIVX Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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.

PQDI vs. PVIVX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal Spectrum Preferred and Income ETF (PQDI) and Paradigm Micro-cap Fund (PVIVX). 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.

	PQDI	PVIVX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.97	2.07	-0.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.89	2.81	+0.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.34	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.95	3.58	-1.63
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.62	11.35	-2.73

PQDI vs. PVIVX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PQDI Sharpe Ratio is 1.97, which is comparable to the PVIVX Sharpe Ratio of 2.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PQDI and PVIVX, 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

PQDI vs. PVIVX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PQDI drawdown since its inception was -17.41%, smaller than the maximum PVIVX drawdown of -95.67%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PQDI and PVIVX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PQDI	PVIVX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.41%	-95.67%	+78.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.31%	-14.84%	+11.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-3.31%	-95.67%	+92.36%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.41%	-95.67%	+78.26%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-95.67%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.43%	-92.48%	+92.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.48%	-17.09%	+13.61%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.75%	4.67%	-3.92%

Volatility

PQDI vs. PVIVX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Principal Spectrum Preferred and Income ETF (PQDI) is 0.89%, while Paradigm Micro-cap Fund (PVIVX) has a volatility of 8.77%. This indicates that PQDI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PVIVX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PQDI	PVIVX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.89%	8.77%	-7.88%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.90%	18.40%	-15.50%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.27%	25.73%	-22.46%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.70%	887.71%	-883.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.54%	627.91%	-623.37%

PQDI vs. PVIVX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PQDI has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is lower than PVIVX's 1.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

PQDI vs. PVIVX - Dividend Comparison

PQDI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.45%, less than PVIVX's 11.63% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PQDI Principal Spectrum Preferred and Income ETF	5.45%	5.02%	4.93%	5.35%	5.60%	5.21%	2.69%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
PVIVX Paradigm Micro-cap Fund	11.63%	15.93%	6.40%	0.00%	0.00%	1.11%	5.25%	0.01%	14.09%	6.88%	3.61%	1.32%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PQDI and PVIVX in my portfolio?

PQDI and PVIVX have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PQDI or PVIVX?

PVIVX has higher volatility (8.77%) compared to PQDI (0.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PQDI dropped -17.41% vs PVIVX's -95.67%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PVIVX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.07 vs 1.97), 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.