SPFF vs. PFFA

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SPFF (Global X SuperIncome Preferred ETF) and PFFA (Virtus InfraCap U.S. Preferred Stock ETF) are both Preferred Stock/Convertible Bonds funds. SPFF is passively managed, while PFFA is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, SPFF returned 2.16%/yr vs 6.57%/yr for PFFA. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SPFF charges 0.58%/yr vs 1.47%/yr for PFFA.

Performance

SPFF vs. PFFA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X SuperIncome Preferred ETF (SPFF) and Virtus InfraCap U.S. Preferred Stock ETF (PFFA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SPFF achieves a 6.91% return, which is significantly higher than PFFA's 3.08% return.

SPFF

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: 3.90%
• YTD: 6.91%
• 6M: 8.28%
• 1Y: 18.49%
• 3Y*: 8.98%
• 5Y*: 2.16%
• 10Y*: 3.13%

PFFA

• 1D: -0.70%
• 1M: -0.26%
• YTD: 3.08%
• 6M: 4.03%
• 1Y: 14.79%
• 3Y*: 14.46%
• 5Y*: 6.57%
• 10Y*: —

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

SPFF vs. PFFA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
SPFF Global X SuperIncome Preferred ETF	6.91%	7.52%	8.62%	3.00%	-14.29%	5.15%	6.91%	13.04%	-1.67%
PFFA Virtus InfraCap U.S. Preferred Stock ETF	3.08%	8.22%	16.11%	26.45%	-20.91%	23.53%	-7.87%	31.99%	-7.10%

Correlation

The correlation between SPFF and PFFA is 0.65, 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	0.65
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.70
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 17, 2018	0.68

The correlation between SPFF and PFFA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.65 to 0.71 - a consistent structural relationship.

SPFF vs. PFFA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SPFF	PFFA
Financial Services	54.4%	28.1%
Technology	18.3%	3.0%
Utilities	14.2%	2.3%
Healthcare	3.2%	0.9%
Consumer Cyclical	3.0%	0.2%
Basic Materials	2.6%	0.3%
Real Estate	2.1%	41.2%
Communication Services	2.0%	5.3%
Industrials	1.8%	10.2%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	3.2%

Return for Risk

SPFF vs. PFFA — Risk / Return Rank

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

SPFF

SPFF Risk / Return Rank: 53
SPFF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
SPFF Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
SPFF Omega Ratio Rank: 54
SPFF Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
SPFF Martin Ratio Rank: 45

PFFA

PFFA Risk / Return Rank: 56
PFFA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
PFFA Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
PFFA Omega Ratio Rank: 64
PFFA Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
PFFA Martin Ratio Rank: 46

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.

SPFF vs. PFFA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X SuperIncome Preferred ETF (SPFF) and Virtus InfraCap U.S. Preferred Stock ETF (PFFA). 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.

	SPFF	PFFA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.96	2.12	-0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.79	3.00	-0.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.40	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.45	2.29	+0.16
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.46	7.79	-0.33
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SPFF vs. PFFA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SPFF Sharpe Ratio is 1.96, which is comparable to the PFFA Sharpe Ratio of 2.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SPFF and PFFA, 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

	SPFF	PFFA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.96	2.12	-0.16
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.20	0.57	-0.37
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.23	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.30	0.24	+0.06

Drawdowns

SPFF vs. PFFA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SPFF drawdown since its inception was -35.92%, smaller than the maximum PFFA drawdown of -70.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SPFF and PFFA.

Drawdown Indicators

	SPFF	PFFA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.92%	-70.52%	+34.60%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.58%	-6.49%	-1.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.51%	-12.15%	-0.36%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.88%	-22.70%	-0.18%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.92%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.20%	-1.50%	+1.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.06%	-6.65%	+2.59%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.49%	1.90%	+0.59%

Volatility

SPFF vs. PFFA - Volatility Comparison

Global X SuperIncome Preferred ETF (SPFF) has a higher volatility of 2.97% compared to Virtus InfraCap U.S. Preferred Stock ETF (PFFA) at 1.87%. This indicates that SPFF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PFFA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SPFF	PFFA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.97%	1.87%	+1.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.29%	5.68%	+1.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.53%	7.02%	+2.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.93%	11.51%	-0.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.51%	31.84%	-18.33%

SPFF vs. PFFA - Expense Ratio Comparison

SPFF has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is lower than PFFA's 1.47% expense ratio.

Dividends

SPFF vs. PFFA - Dividend Comparison

SPFF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.34%, less than PFFA's 9.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PFFA Virtus InfraCap U.S. Preferred Stock ETF	9.62%	9.47%	9.18%	9.56%	10.75%	7.64%	8.54%	10.02%	5.15%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SPFF Global X SuperIncome Preferred ETF	6.34%	6.47%	6.39%	6.64%	7.15%	5.78%	5.75%	5.97%	7.60%	7.24%	7.04%	7.50%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SPFF and PFFA in my portfolio?

SPFF and PFFA have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SPFF or PFFA?

SPFF has higher volatility (2.97%) compared to PFFA (1.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SPFF dropped -35.92% vs PFFA's -70.52%.

Which ETF is better, SPFF or PFFA?

On 5-year performance, PFFA leads with 6.57% vs 2.16% for SPFF. On fees, SPFF is cheaper at 0.58% per year. On volatility, PFFA has been the lower-risk option at 1.87%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SPFF or PFFA?

Over the 5-year period, PFFA has performed better with a 6.57% return vs 2.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SPFF or PFFA?

SPFF is cheaper with a 0.58% expense ratio, compared with 1.47% for PFFA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SPFF or PFFA?

PFFA has the higher dividend yield at 9.62%, compared with 6.34% for SPFF.

What is the main difference between SPFF and PFFA?

They also come from different issuers: Global X and Virtus Investment Partners. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for SPFF and 1.47% for PFFA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PFFA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.12 vs 1.96), 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.