PSET vs. PIT

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PSET (Principal Quality ETF) and PIT (VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PSET is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ US Price Setters, while PIT is a Commodities fund actively managed by VanEck. PSET is passively managed, while PIT is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, PSET returned 11.40%/yr vs 18.98%/yr for PIT. At a 0.04 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. PSET charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for PIT.

Performance

PSET vs. PIT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Principal Quality ETF (PSET) and VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF (PIT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PSET achieves a -2.63% return, which is significantly lower than PIT's 25.62% return.

PSET

• 1D: -0.69%
• 1M: -1.73%
• YTD: -2.63%
• 6M: -3.63%
• 1Y: 4.99%
• 3Y*: 11.40%
• 5Y*: 8.12%
• 10Y*: 12.49%

PIT

• 1D: -1.32%
• 1M: -11.78%
• YTD: 25.62%
• 6M: 23.58%
• 1Y: 39.64%
• 3Y*: 18.98%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PSET vs. PIT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
PSET Principal Quality ETF	-2.63%	7.27%	17.65%	24.07%	-0.61%
PIT VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF	25.62%	21.63%	6.77%	-4.54%	1.67%

Correlation

The correlation between PSET and PIT is -0.12, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.12
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.01
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 22, 2022	0.04

The correlation between PSET and PIT shifts across timeframes, from -0.12 (1 year) to 0.04 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

PSET vs. PIT — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSET

PSET Risk / Return Rank: 14
PSET Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
PSET Sortino Ratio Rank: 13
PSET Omega Ratio Rank: 13
PSET Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
PSET Martin Ratio Rank: 15

PIT

PIT Risk / Return Rank: 57
PIT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
PIT Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
PIT Omega Ratio Rank: 56
PIT Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
PIT Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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.

PSET vs. PIT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal Quality ETF (PSET) and VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF (PIT). 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.

	PSET	PIT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.39	1.85	-1.46
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.63	2.40	-1.77
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.07	1.33	-0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.39	2.62	-2.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.28	10.88	-9.60

PSET vs. PIT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSET Sharpe Ratio is 0.39, which is lower than the PIT Sharpe Ratio of 1.85. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSET and PIT, 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

PSET vs. PIT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSET drawdown since its inception was -34.74%, which is greater than PIT's maximum drawdown of -15.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSET and PIT.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSET	PIT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.74%	-15.19%	-19.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.94%	-15.19%	+2.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.96%	-15.19%	-6.77%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.61%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.74%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.69%	-15.19%	+10.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.58%	-4.08%	-0.50%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.90%	3.66%	+0.24%

Volatility

PSET vs. PIT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Principal Quality ETF (PSET) is 4.31%, while VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF (PIT) has a volatility of 4.72%. This indicates that PSET experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PIT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PSET	PIT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.31%	4.72%	-0.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.25%	19.40%	-9.15%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.96%	21.66%	-8.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.58%	17.50%	+0.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.11%	17.50%	+0.61%

PSET vs. PIT - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSET has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than PIT's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSET vs. PIT - Dividend Comparison

PSET's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.64%, less than PIT's 7.10% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
PIT VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF	7.10%	8.92%	3.59%	6.44%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
PSET Principal Quality ETF	0.64%	0.59%	0.69%	0.85%	1.47%	0.89%	1.09%	1.52%	1.33%	1.02%	1.26%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSET and PIT in my portfolio?

PSET and PIT have a correlation of -0.12, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PSET or PIT?

PIT has higher volatility (4.72%) compared to PSET (4.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSET dropped -34.74% vs PIT's -15.19%.

Which ETF is better, PSET or PIT?

On 3-year performance, PIT leads with 18.98% vs 11.40% for PSET. On fees, PSET is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, PSET has been the lower-risk option at 4.31%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PSET or PIT?

Over the 3-year period, PIT has performed better with a 18.98% return vs 11.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PSET or PIT?

PSET is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for PIT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PSET or PIT?

PIT has the higher dividend yield at 7.10%, compared with 0.64% for PSET.

What is the main difference between PSET and PIT?

PSET is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while PIT is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: Principal and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for PSET and 0.55% for PIT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PIT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.85 vs 0.39), 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.