ACES vs IG
ACES vs IG
ALPS Clean Energy ETF vs Principal Investment Grade Corporate ETF
Quick Verdict
IG has a lower expense ratio. ACES delivered stronger 1-year returns. IG offers more diversification with 145 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ACES | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.19% | |
| AUM | $109M | $198M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.22% | 5.07% | |
| Holdings | 38 | 248 | |
| YTD Return | -4.16% | -1.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.72% | +0.84% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -8.79% | +4.56% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -13.98% | -0.69% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 35.4% | 8.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -79.0% | -23.8% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | Principal Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jun 27, 2018 | Apr 18, 2018 |
ACES vs IG Performance
ALPS Clean Energy ETF (ACES) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and Principal Investment Grade Corporate ETF (IG) is a ETF from Principal Funds. Over the past year ACES returned +21.72% while IG returned +0.84%. Year to date, ACES is down 4.16% versus a loss of 1.54% for IG.
Over three years, ACES compounded at -8.79% per year against +4.56% for IG; over five years the annualized figures are -13.98% and -0.69% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, ACES has the edge at +3.76% annualized vs +0.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ACES has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 35.4% compared with 8.0% for IG. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -79.0% for ACES and -23.8% for IG. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ACES charges 0.55% per year while IG charges 0.19%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $19 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ACES currently yields 1.22% against 5.07% for IG.
Holdings Overlap
ACES and IG share 0 holdings out of 182 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ACES or IG?
ACES has an expense ratio of 0.55% while IG charges 0.19%. IG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ACES or IG?
Over the past year ACES returned +21.72% vs +0.84% for IG, so ACES leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), ACES annualized +3.76% vs +0.59% for IG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ACES or IG?
ACES has been the more volatile fund at 35.4% annualized versus 8.0% for IG. Worst drawdown: ACES -79.0% vs IG -23.8%.
Should I hold both ACES and IG?
ACES and IG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ACES and IG?
ACES and IG share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 182 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ACES or IG?
ACES yields 1.22% while IG yields 5.07%, so IG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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