PSET vs. RECS

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

PSET (Principal Quality ETF) and RECS (Columbia Research Enhanced Core ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds - PSET tracks the NASDAQ US Price Setters while RECS tracks the Beta Advantage Research Enhanced U.S. Equity Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PSET returned 12.55%/yr vs 9.71%/yr for RECS. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.15% expense ratio.

Performance

PSET vs. RECS - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PSET achieves a -2.15% return, which is significantly lower than RECS's 4.85% return. Over the past 10 years, PSET has outperformed RECS with an annualized return of 12.55%, while RECS has yielded a comparatively lower 9.71% annualized return.

PSET

• 1D: 0.49%
• 1M: -1.25%
• YTD: -2.15%
• 6M: -3.42%
• 1Y: 4.23%
• 3Y*: 11.59%
• 5Y*: 8.13%
• 10Y*: 12.55%

RECS

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: -1.02%
• YTD: 4.85%
• 6M: 3.66%
• 1Y: 20.05%
• 3Y*: 20.51%
• 5Y*: 13.43%
• 10Y*: 9.71%

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

PSET vs. RECS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PSET Principal Quality ETF	-2.15%	7.27%	17.65%	24.07%	-16.52%	29.59%	16.20%	34.85%	-2.29%	24.63%
RECS Columbia Research Enhanced Core ETF	4.85%	19.30%	26.27%	23.19%	-14.39%	32.73%	15.35%	-0.93%	0.00%	0.00%

Correlation

The correlation between PSET and RECS is 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 22, 2016	0.71

Over the past year, PSET and RECS have become more correlated (0.92) than their long-term average of 0.71, meaning their price movements have been converging.

PSET vs. RECS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PSET	RECS
Technology	38.5%	32.9%
Industrials	19.0%	7.3%
Financial Services	13.8%	16.9%
Healthcare	10.8%	9.2%
Communication Services	6.6%	7.6%
Consumer Cyclical	5.5%	10.4%
Basic Materials	3.3%	2.2%
Energy	1.4%	3.5%
Consumer Defensive	1.1%	4.8%
Real Estate	-	2.3%
Utilities	-	2.3%

Return for Risk

PSET vs. RECS — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSET

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

RECS

RECS Risk / Return Rank: 55
RECS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
RECS Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
RECS Omega Ratio Rank: 52
RECS Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
RECS Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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. RECS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal Quality ETF (PSET) and Columbia Research Enhanced Core ETF (RECS). 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	RECS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.33	1.67	-1.34
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.54	2.34	-1.80
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.07	1.30	-0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.33	2.28	-1.96
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.08	9.62	-8.53

PSET vs. RECS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSET Sharpe Ratio is 0.33, which is lower than the RECS Sharpe Ratio of 1.67. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSET and RECS, 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. RECS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSET drawdown since its inception was -34.74%, roughly equal to the maximum RECS drawdown of -34.29%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSET and RECS.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSET	RECS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.74%	-34.29%	-0.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.94%	-8.82%	-4.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.96%	-18.60%	-3.36%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.61%	-22.08%	-3.53%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.74%	-34.29%	-0.45%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.22%	-2.57%	-1.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.58%	-1.28%	-3.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.91%	2.09%	+1.82%

Volatility

PSET vs. RECS - Volatility Comparison

Principal Quality ETF (PSET) has a higher volatility of 4.30% compared to Columbia Research Enhanced Core ETF (RECS) at 3.86%. This indicates that PSET's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RECS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PSET	RECS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.30%	3.86%	+0.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.23%	9.34%	+0.89%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.93%	12.09%	+0.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.58%	16.43%	+1.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.10%	16.26%	+1.84%

PSET vs. RECS - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both PSET and RECS 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. RECS - Dividend Comparison

PSET's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.64%, less than RECS's 1.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
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%
RECS Columbia Research Enhanced Core ETF	1.06%	1.11%	1.09%	1.00%	1.41%	20.64%	1.09%	0.49%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSET and RECS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, PSET and RECS move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, PSET or RECS?

PSET has higher volatility (4.30%) compared to RECS (3.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSET dropped -34.74% vs RECS's -34.29%.

Which ETF is better, PSET or RECS?

On 10-year performance, PSET leads with 12.55% vs 9.71% for RECS. Both ETFs have the same 0.15% expense ratio. On volatility, RECS has been the lower-risk option at 3.86%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PSET or RECS?

Over the 10-year period, PSET has performed better with a 12.55% return vs 9.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PSET or RECS?

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

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

RECS has the higher dividend yield at 1.06%, compared with 0.64% for PSET.

What is the main difference between PSET and RECS?

PSET tracks NASDAQ US Price Setters, while RECS tracks Beta Advantage Research Enhanced U.S. Equity Index. They also come from different issuers: Principal and Ameriprise Financial.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RECS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.67 vs 0.33), 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.