PSET vs. PY

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

PSET (Principal Quality ETF) and PY (Principal Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PSET is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ US Price Setters, while PY is a Large Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Principal. PSET is passively managed, while PY is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, PSET returned 12.82%/yr vs 10.73%/yr for PY. A 0.58 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.15% expense ratio.

Performance

PSET vs. PY - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PSET achieves a 0.31% return, which is significantly lower than PY's 4.93% return. Over the past 10 years, PSET has outperformed PY with an annualized return of 12.82%, while PY has yielded a comparatively lower 10.73% annualized return.

PSET

• 1D: 0.80%
• 1M: 2.98%
• YTD: 0.31%
• 6M: 0.01%
• 1Y: 8.25%
• 3Y*: 13.47%
• 5Y*: 9.03%
• 10Y*: 12.82%

PY

• 1D: 0.76%
• 1M: 1.76%
• YTD: 4.93%
• 6M: 5.16%
• 1Y: 15.58%
• 3Y*: 13.68%
• 5Y*: 7.49%
• 10Y*: 10.73%

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

PSET vs. PY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PSET Principal Quality ETF	0.31%	7.27%	17.65%	24.07%	-16.52%	29.59%	16.20%	34.85%	-2.29%	24.63%
PY Principal Value ETF	4.93%	7.74%	16.79%	9.11%	-5.10%	34.83%	2.71%	26.87%	-13.34%	18.87%

Correlation

The correlation between PSET and PY is 0.77, 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	0.77
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.76
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.75
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 23, 2016	0.58

The correlation between PSET and PY shifts across timeframes, from 0.58 (all time) to 0.77 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

PSET vs. PY - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PSET	PY
Technology	37.9%	25.0%
Industrials	19.1%	9.3%
Financial Services	14.3%	16.5%
Healthcare	10.8%	12.0%
Communication Services	6.7%	5.1%
Consumer Cyclical	5.4%	11.0%
Basic Materials	3.3%	1.2%
Energy	1.4%	5.6%
Consumer Defensive	1.1%	11.5%
Real Estate	-	1.1%
Utilities	-	1.7%

Return for Risk

PSET vs. PY — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSET

PSET Risk / Return Rank: 19
PSET Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
PSET Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
PSET Omega Ratio Rank: 19
PSET Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
PSET Martin Ratio Rank: 20

PY

PY Risk / Return Rank: 46
PY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
PY Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
PY Omega Ratio Rank: 42
PY Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
PY Martin Ratio Rank: 51

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. PY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal Quality ETF (PSET) and Principal Value ETF (PY). 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.

	PSET	PY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.65	1.49	-0.83
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.00	2.17	-1.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	1.27	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.64	2.52	-1.88
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.16	8.46	-6.30
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PSET vs. PY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSET Sharpe Ratio is 0.65, which is lower than the PY Sharpe Ratio of 1.49. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSET and PY, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	PSET	PY	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.65	1.49	-0.83
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.52	0.48	+0.04
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.71	0.54	+0.18
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.72	0.54	+0.18

Drawdowns

PSET vs. PY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSET drawdown since its inception was -34.74%, smaller than the maximum PY drawdown of -45.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSET and PY.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSET	PY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.74%	-45.44%	+10.70%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.94%	-6.20%	-6.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.96%	-17.84%	-4.12%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.61%	-17.84%	-7.77%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.74%	-45.44%	+10.70%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.81%	-0.24%	-1.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.59%	-5.05%	+0.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.82%	1.85%	+1.97%

Volatility

PSET vs. PY - Volatility Comparison

Principal Quality ETF (PSET) has a higher volatility of 3.06% compared to Principal Value ETF (PY) at 2.30%. This indicates that PSET's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PSET	PY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.06%	2.30%	+0.76%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.70%	7.32%	+2.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.66%	10.52%	+2.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.51%	15.77%	+1.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.05%	20.07%	-2.02%

PSET vs. PY - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both PSET and PY have an expense ratio of 0.15%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

PSET vs. PY - Dividend Comparison

PSET's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.62%, less than PY's 2.11% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
PSET Principal Quality ETF	0.62%	0.59%	0.69%	0.85%	1.47%	0.89%	1.09%	1.52%	1.33%	1.02%	1.26%
PY Principal Value ETF	2.11%	2.14%	2.22%	2.68%	3.02%	2.83%	2.95%	2.25%	2.34%	1.68%	1.85%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSET and PY in my portfolio?

PSET and PY have a correlation of 0.77, 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 PY?

PSET has higher volatility (3.06%) compared to PY (2.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSET dropped -34.74% vs PY's -45.44%.

Which ETF is better, PSET or PY?

On 10-year performance, PSET leads with 12.82% vs 10.73% for PY. Both ETFs have the same 0.15% expense ratio. On volatility, PY has been the lower-risk option at 2.30%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PSET or PY?

Over the 10-year period, PSET has performed better with a 12.82% return vs 10.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PSET or PY?

PSET and PY have the same expense ratio: 0.15% per year.

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

PY has the higher dividend yield at 2.11%, compared with 0.62% for PSET.

What is the main difference between PSET and PY?

PSET is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while PY is Large Cap Value Equities.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.49 vs 0.65), 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.