VRP vs. PREF

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VRP (Invesco Variable Rate Preferred ETF) and PREF (Principal Spectrum Preferred Secs Active ETF) are both Preferred Stock/Convertible Bonds funds. VRP is passively managed, while PREF is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, VRP returned 4.31%/yr vs 3.05%/yr for PREF. At a 0.44 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VRP charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for PREF.

Performance

VRP vs. PREF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco Variable Rate Preferred ETF (VRP) and Principal Spectrum Preferred Secs Active ETF (PREF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VRP achieves a 2.23% return, which is significantly higher than PREF's 1.90% return.

VRP

• 1D: 0.04%
• 1M: 0.49%
• YTD: 2.23%
• 6M: 2.36%
• 1Y: 6.26%
• 3Y*: 9.77%
• 5Y*: 4.31%
• 10Y*: 5.19%

PREF

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 0.66%
• YTD: 1.90%
• 6M: 2.24%
• 1Y: 6.11%
• 3Y*: 9.28%
• 5Y*: 3.05%
• 10Y*: —

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

VRP vs. PREF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VRP Invesco Variable Rate Preferred ETF	2.23%	7.34%	11.10%	10.35%	-9.00%	4.20%	5.11%	18.84%	-6.62%	-0.25%
PREF Principal Spectrum Preferred Secs Active ETF	1.90%	7.64%	11.43%	7.36%	-11.80%	2.08%	7.52%	17.32%	-5.45%	2.05%

Correlation

The correlation between VRP and PREF is 0.46, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.46
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.43
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.49
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 26, 2017	0.44

Return for Risk

VRP vs. PREF — Risk / Return Rank

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

VRP

VRP Risk / Return Rank: 68
VRP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
VRP Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
VRP Omega Ratio Rank: 82
VRP Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
VRP Martin Ratio Rank: 67

PREF

PREF Risk / Return Rank: 62
PREF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
PREF Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
PREF Omega Ratio Rank: 73
PREF Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
PREF Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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.

VRP vs. PREF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco Variable Rate Preferred ETF (VRP) and Principal Spectrum Preferred Secs Active ETF (PREF). 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.

	VRP	PREF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.17	1.97	+0.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.14	2.83	+0.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.40	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.18	2.13	+0.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.69	11.07	+0.61

VRP vs. PREF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VRP Sharpe Ratio is 2.17, which is comparable to the PREF Sharpe Ratio of 1.97. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VRP and PREF, 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

VRP vs. PREF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VRP drawdown since its inception was -46.04%, which is greater than PREF's maximum drawdown of -22.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VRP and PREF.

Drawdown Indicators

	VRP	PREF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.04%	-22.99%	-23.05%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.89%	-2.88%	-0.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.26%	-4.39%	+0.13%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-13.76%	-16.99%	+3.23%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.04%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.16%	-0.08%	-0.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.30%	-3.64%	+1.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.54%	0.55%	-0.01%

Volatility

VRP vs. PREF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco Variable Rate Preferred ETF (VRP) is 0.54%, while Principal Spectrum Preferred Secs Active ETF (PREF) has a volatility of 0.66%. This indicates that VRP experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PREF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VRP	PREF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.54%	0.66%	-0.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.33%	2.51%	-0.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.90%	3.11%	-0.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.55%	4.87%	+1.68%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.53%	6.29%	+8.24%

VRP vs. PREF - Expense Ratio Comparison

VRP has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than PREF's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

VRP vs. PREF - Dividend Comparison

VRP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.24%, more than PREF's 5.14% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PREF Principal Spectrum Preferred Secs Active ETF	5.14%	4.87%	4.65%	4.67%	4.63%	4.07%	4.35%	4.67%	5.49%	2.35%	0.00%	0.00%
VRP Invesco Variable Rate Preferred ETF	6.24%	6.53%	5.78%	6.61%	5.38%	4.25%	4.17%	4.71%	5.28%	4.69%	5.10%	5.02%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VRP and PREF in my portfolio?

VRP and PREF have a correlation of 0.46, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VRP or PREF?

PREF has higher volatility (0.66%) compared to VRP (0.54%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VRP dropped -46.04% vs PREF's -22.99%.

Which ETF is better, VRP or PREF?

On 5-year performance, VRP leads with 4.31% vs 3.05% for PREF. On fees, VRP is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, VRP has been the lower-risk option at 0.54%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VRP or PREF?

Over the 5-year period, VRP has performed better with a 4.31% return vs 3.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VRP or PREF?

VRP is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for PREF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VRP or PREF?

VRP has the higher dividend yield at 6.24%, compared with 5.14% for PREF.

What is the main difference between VRP and PREF?

They also come from different issuers: Invesco and Principal. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for VRP and 0.55% for PREF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VRP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.17 vs 1.97), 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.