IG vs SOXL
Principal Investment Grade Corporate ETF vs Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF
Quick Verdict
IG has a lower expense ratio. SOXL delivered stronger 1-year returns. IG offers more diversification with 145 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IG | SOXL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.19% | 0.75% | |
| AUM | $198M | $18.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.07% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 248 | 43 | |
| YTD Return | -1.76% | +200.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.69% | +407.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.77% | +84.46% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.76% | +27.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.0% | 87.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.8% | -90.5% | |
| Fund Family | Principal Funds | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Alternative | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2018 | Mar 11, 2010 |
IG vs SOXL Performance
Principal Investment Grade Corporate ETF (IG) is a ETF from Principal Funds and Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust. Over the past year IG returned +0.69% while SOXL returned +407.71%. Year to date, IG is down 1.76% versus a gain of 200.93% for SOXL.
Over three years, IG compounded at +4.77% per year against +84.46% for SOXL; over five years the annualized figures are -0.76% and +27.78% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, SOXL has the edge at +38.88% annualized vs +0.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SOXL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 87.8% 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 -23.8% for IG and -90.5% for SOXL. 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IG charges 0.19% per year while SOXL charges 0.75%. On a $10,000 position that is $19 vs $75 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IG currently yields 5.07% against 0.00% for SOXL.
Holdings Overlap
IG and SOXL share 0 holdings out of 177 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, IG or SOXL?
IG has an expense ratio of 0.19% while SOXL charges 0.75%. IG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IG or SOXL?
Over the past year IG returned +0.69% vs +407.71% for SOXL, so SOXL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), IG annualized +0.56% vs +38.88% for SOXL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IG or SOXL?
SOXL has been the more volatile fund at 87.8% annualized versus 8.0% for IG. Worst drawdown: IG -23.8% vs SOXL -90.5%.
Should I hold both IG and SOXL?
IG and SOXL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IG and SOXL?
IG and SOXL share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 177 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IG or SOXL?
IG yields 5.07% while SOXL yields 0.00%, so IG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.