PQDI vs. QTPI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PQDI (Principal Spectrum Preferred and Income ETF) and QTPI (North Square RCIM Tax-Advantaged Preferred and Income Securities ETF) are both Preferred Stock/Convertible Bonds funds. PQDI is passively managed, while QTPI is actively managed. Over the past year, PQDI returned 6.43% vs 5.30% for QTPI. A 0.52 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.60% expense ratio.

Performance

PQDI vs. QTPI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Principal Spectrum Preferred and Income ETF (PQDI) and North Square RCIM Tax-Advantaged Preferred and Income Securities ETF (QTPI). 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 higher than QTPI's 1.11% return.

PQDI

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

QTPI

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: 0.26%
• YTD: 1.11%
• 6M: 1.28%
• 1Y: 5.30%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PQDI vs. QTPI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
PQDI Principal Spectrum Preferred and Income ETF	1.39%	8.46%	-0.02%
QTPI North Square RCIM Tax-Advantaged Preferred and Income Securities ETF	1.11%	7.37%	0.19%

Correlation

The correlation between PQDI and QTPI is 0.51, 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	0.51
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 19, 2024	0.52

The correlation between PQDI and QTPI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.51 to 0.52 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PQDI vs. QTPI — 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

QTPI

QTPI Risk / Return Rank: 47
QTPI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
QTPI Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
QTPI Omega Ratio Rank: 37
QTPI Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
QTPI Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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. QTPI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal Spectrum Preferred and Income ETF (PQDI) and North Square RCIM Tax-Advantaged Preferred and Income Securities ETF (QTPI). 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	QTPI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.97	1.29	+0.69
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.89	1.90	+0.99
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.23	+0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.95	2.52	-0.57
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.62	10.23	-1.61

PQDI vs. QTPI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PQDI Sharpe Ratio is 1.97, which is higher than the QTPI Sharpe Ratio of 1.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PQDI and QTPI, 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. QTPI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PQDI drawdown since its inception was -17.41%, which is greater than QTPI's maximum drawdown of -4.08%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PQDI and QTPI.

Drawdown Indicators

	PQDI	QTPI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.41%	-4.08%	-13.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.31%	-2.11%	-1.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-3.31%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.41%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.43%	-0.41%	-0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.48%	-0.40%	-3.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.75%	0.52%	+0.23%

Volatility

PQDI vs. QTPI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Principal Spectrum Preferred and Income ETF (PQDI) is 0.89%, while North Square RCIM Tax-Advantaged Preferred and Income Securities ETF (QTPI) has a volatility of 1.35%. This indicates that PQDI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QTPI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PQDI	QTPI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.89%	1.35%	-0.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.90%	3.25%	-0.35%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.27%	4.13%	-0.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.70%	4.96%	-0.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.54%	4.96%	-0.42%

PQDI vs. QTPI - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both PQDI and QTPI have an expense ratio of 0.60%.

Dividends

PQDI vs. QTPI - Dividend Comparison

PQDI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.45%, more than QTPI's 4.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
PQDI Principal Spectrum Preferred and Income ETF	5.45%	5.02%	4.93%	5.35%	5.60%	5.21%	2.69%
QTPI North Square RCIM Tax-Advantaged Preferred and Income Securities ETF	4.43%	4.58%	0.10%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PQDI and QTPI in my portfolio?

PQDI and QTPI have a correlation of 0.51, 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 QTPI?

QTPI has higher volatility (1.35%) compared to PQDI (0.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PQDI dropped -17.41% vs QTPI's -4.08%.

Which ETF is better, PQDI or QTPI?

On 1-year performance, PQDI leads with 6.43% vs 5.30% for QTPI. Both ETFs have the same 0.60% expense ratio. On volatility, PQDI has been the lower-risk option at 0.89%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PQDI or QTPI?

Over the 1-year period, PQDI has performed better with a 6.43% return vs 5.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PQDI or QTPI?

PQDI and QTPI have the same expense ratio: 0.60% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PQDI or QTPI?

PQDI has the higher dividend yield at 5.45%, compared with 4.43% for QTPI.

What is the main difference between PQDI and QTPI?

They also come from different issuers: Principal and North Square.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PQDI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.97 vs 1.29), 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.