QUS vs. PFM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

QUS (SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF) and PFM (Invesco Dividend Achievers™ ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds - QUS tracks the MSCI USA Factor Mix A-Series Capped (USD) while PFM tracks the NASDAQ US Broad Dividend Achievers Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, QUS returned 13.70%/yr vs 11.76%/yr for PFM. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. QUS charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.53%/yr for PFM.

Performance

QUS vs. PFM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF (QUS) and Invesco Dividend Achievers™ ETF (PFM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QUS achieves a 5.81% return, which is significantly lower than PFM's 7.43% return. Over the past 10 years, QUS has outperformed PFM with an annualized return of 13.70%, while PFM has yielded a comparatively lower 11.76% annualized return.

QUS

• 1D: -0.23%
• 1M: -1.12%
• YTD: 5.81%
• 6M: 5.18%
• 1Y: 16.61%
• 3Y*: 16.79%
• 5Y*: 10.77%
• 10Y*: 13.70%

PFM

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: 0.12%
• YTD: 7.43%
• 6M: 6.87%
• 1Y: 18.00%
• 3Y*: 15.64%
• 5Y*: 10.77%
• 10Y*: 11.76%

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

QUS vs. PFM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
QUS SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF	5.81%	14.13%	18.99%	21.78%	-14.15%	26.72%	12.40%	32.45%	-3.66%	21.67%
PFM Invesco Dividend Achievers™ ETF	7.43%	14.00%	16.87%	11.40%	-6.22%	23.08%	9.53%	26.88%	-4.58%	17.65%

Correlation

The correlation between QUS and PFM 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	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 16, 2015	0.86

The correlation between QUS and PFM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

QUS vs. PFM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QUS	PFM
Technology	29.2%	27.6%
Financial Services	14.0%	17.9%
Healthcare	13.4%	15.1%
Communication Services	9.9%	1.1%
Consumer Defensive	8.7%	11.1%
Industrials	8.2%	10.7%
Consumer Cyclical	5.5%	3.7%
Energy	4.2%	4.3%
Utilities	3.4%	3.9%
Basic Materials	2.2%	2.8%
Real Estate	1.3%	2.0%

Return for Risk

QUS vs. PFM — Risk / Return Rank

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

QUS

QUS Risk / Return Rank: 57
QUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
QUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
QUS Omega Ratio Rank: 55
QUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
QUS Martin Ratio Rank: 63

PFM

PFM Risk / Return Rank: 60
PFM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
PFM Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
PFM Omega Ratio Rank: 59
PFM Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
PFM 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.

QUS vs. PFM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF (QUS) and Invesco Dividend Achievers™ ETF (PFM). 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.

	QUS	PFM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.81	1.91	-0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.58	2.79	-0.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.34	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.43	2.55	-0.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.76	10.32	+0.44

QUS vs. PFM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QUS Sharpe Ratio is 1.81, which is comparable to the PFM Sharpe Ratio of 1.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QUS and PFM, 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

QUS vs. PFM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QUS drawdown since its inception was -33.78%, smaller than the maximum PFM drawdown of -53.21%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QUS and PFM.

Drawdown Indicators

	QUS	PFM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.78%	-53.21%	+19.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.85%	-7.09%	+0.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.94%	-14.50%	+0.56%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.30%	-17.81%	-4.49%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.78%	-32.22%	-1.56%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.84%	-1.01%	-0.83%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.69%	-6.93%	+3.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.55%	1.75%	-0.20%

Volatility

QUS vs. PFM - Volatility Comparison

SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF (QUS) has a higher volatility of 2.84% compared to Invesco Dividend Achievers™ ETF (PFM) at 2.48%. This indicates that QUS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PFM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QUS	PFM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.84%	2.48%	+0.36%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.98%	7.21%	-0.23%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.24%	9.53%	-0.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.34%	13.51%	+0.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.43%	15.20%	+1.23%

QUS vs. PFM - Expense Ratio Comparison

QUS has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than PFM's 0.53% expense ratio.

Dividends

QUS vs. PFM - Dividend Comparison

QUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.32%, less than PFM's 1.36% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PFM Invesco Dividend Achievers™ ETF	1.36%	1.41%	1.58%	1.86%	1.95%	1.69%	1.92%	1.94%	2.27%	1.70%	2.56%	2.36%
QUS SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF	1.32%	1.38%	1.49%	1.57%	1.68%	1.27%	1.73%	1.81%	2.12%	1.86%	2.07%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QUS and PFM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, QUS and PFM 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, QUS or PFM?

QUS has higher volatility (2.84%) compared to PFM (2.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QUS dropped -33.78% vs PFM's -53.21%.

Which ETF is better, QUS or PFM?

On 10-year performance, QUS leads with 13.70% vs 11.76% for PFM. On fees, QUS is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, PFM has been the lower-risk option at 2.48%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QUS or PFM?

Over the 10-year period, QUS has performed better with a 13.70% return vs 11.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QUS or PFM?

QUS is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.53% for PFM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, QUS or PFM?

PFM has the higher dividend yield at 1.36%, compared with 1.32% for QUS.

What is the main difference between QUS and PFM?

QUS tracks MSCI USA Factor Mix A-Series Capped (USD), while PFM tracks NASDAQ US Broad Dividend Achievers Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for QUS and 0.53% for PFM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PFM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.91 vs 1.81), 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.