FQAL vs IG
Fidelity Quality Factor ETF vs Principal Investment Grade Corporate ETF
Quick Verdict
FQAL has a lower expense ratio. FQAL delivered stronger 1-year returns. IG offers more diversification with 145 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FQAL | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.19% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $198M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.17% | 5.07% | |
| Holdings | 129 | 248 | |
| YTD Return | +13.07% | -1.76% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.76% | +0.69% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.91% | +4.77% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.88% | -0.76% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 8.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.1% | -23.8% | |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | Principal Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Sep 12, 2016 | Apr 18, 2018 |
FQAL vs IG Performance
Fidelity Quality Factor ETF (FQAL) is a ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and Principal Investment Grade Corporate ETF (IG) is a ETF from Principal Funds. Over the past year FQAL returned +18.76% while IG returned +0.69%. Year to date, FQAL is up 13.07% versus a loss of 1.76% for IG.
Over three years, FQAL compounded at +19.91% per year against +4.77% for IG; over five years the annualized figures are +11.88% and -0.76% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, FQAL has the edge at +13.85% annualized vs +0.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FQAL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% 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 -34.1% for FQAL 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FQAL charges 0.15% per year while IG charges 0.19%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $19 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FQAL currently yields 1.17% against 5.07% for IG.
Holdings Overlap
FQAL and IG share 0 holdings out of 270 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, FQAL or IG?
FQAL has an expense ratio of 0.15% while IG charges 0.19%. FQAL is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FQAL or IG?
Over the past year FQAL returned +18.76% vs +0.69% for IG, so FQAL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), FQAL annualized +13.85% vs +0.56% for IG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FQAL or IG?
FQAL has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 8.0% for IG. Worst drawdown: FQAL -34.1% vs IG -23.8%.
Should I hold both FQAL and IG?
FQAL and IG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FQAL and IG?
FQAL and IG share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 270 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FQAL or IG?
FQAL yields 1.17% while IG yields 5.07%, so IG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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