YLD vs. IG

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

YLD (Principal Active High Yield ETF) and IG (Principal Investment Grade Corporate Active ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - YLD is a High Yield Bonds fund actively managed by Principal, while IG is a Corporate Bonds fund actively managed by Principal. Both are actively managed. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. YLD charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.26%/yr for IG.

Performance

YLD vs. IG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Principal Active High Yield ETF (YLD) and Principal Investment Grade Corporate Active ETF (IG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

YLD

• 1D: 0.58%
• 1M: 0.95%
• YTD: 3.38%
• 6M: 3.29%
• 1Y: 6.53%
• 3Y*: 9.11%
• 5Y*: 4.89%
• 10Y*: 5.77%

IG

• 1D: 0.46%
• 1M: 1.35%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

YLD vs. IG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
YLD Principal Active High Yield ETF	1.45%
IG Principal Investment Grade Corporate Active ETF	0.58%

Correlation

The correlation between YLD and IG is 0.69, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 22, 2026	0.69

Return for Risk

YLD vs. IG — Risk / Return Rank

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

YLD

YLD Risk / Return Rank: 58
YLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
YLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
YLD Omega Ratio Rank: 47
YLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
YLD Martin Ratio Rank: 69

IG

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

YLD vs. IG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Principal Active High Yield ETF (YLD) and Principal Investment Grade Corporate Active ETF (IG). 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.

	YLD	IG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.49	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.24	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.31	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.35	—	—

Drawdowns

YLD vs. IG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum YLD drawdown since its inception was -28.34%, which is greater than IG's maximum drawdown of -1.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for YLD and IG.

Drawdown Indicators

	YLD	IG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.34%	-1.75%	-26.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.98%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.62%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-13.89%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-28.34%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.69%	-0.44%	-2.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.58%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	YLD	IG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.28%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.54%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.43%	4.88%	-0.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.40%	4.88%	+1.52%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.20%	4.88%	+3.32%

YLD vs. IG - Expense Ratio Comparison

YLD has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than IG's 0.26% expense ratio.

Dividends

YLD vs. IG - Dividend Comparison

YLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.23%, more than IG's 0.84% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IG Principal Investment Grade Corporate Active ETF	0.84%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
YLD Principal Active High Yield ETF	7.23%	7.33%	7.12%	6.46%	6.51%	3.92%	4.40%	4.81%	5.42%	6.28%	4.47%	2.56%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both YLD and IG in my portfolio?

YLD and IG have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, YLD or IG?

On fees, IG is cheaper at 0.26% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, YLD or IG?

IG is cheaper with a 0.26% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for YLD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, YLD or IG?

YLD has the higher dividend yield at 7.23%, compared with 0.84% for IG.

What is the main difference between YLD and IG?

YLD is categorized as High Yield Bonds, while IG is Corporate Bonds. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for YLD and 0.26% for IG.