PQDI vs VOO
Principal Spectrum Preferred and Income ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PQDI | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $70M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.61% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 95 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +1.47% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.94% | +21.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.59% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.99% | +12.95% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.3% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Principal Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2020 | Sep 7, 2010 |
PQDI vs VOO Performance
Principal Spectrum Preferred and Income ETF (PQDI) is a ETF from Principal Funds and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PQDI returned +4.94% while VOO returned +21.87%. Year to date, PQDI is up 1.47% versus a gain of 12.68% for VOO.
Over three years, PQDI compounded at +8.59% per year against +22.06% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +2.99% and +12.95% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.47% annualized vs +3.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 6.3% for PQDI. 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 -17.4% for PQDI and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PQDI charges 0.60% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $3 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PQDI currently yields 5.61% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
PQDI and VOO share 4 holdings out of 573 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PQDI or VOO?
PQDI has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PQDI or VOO?
Over the past year PQDI returned +4.94% vs +21.87% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), PQDI annualized +3.99% vs +13.47% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PQDI or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 6.3% for PQDI. Worst drawdown: PQDI -17.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both PQDI and VOO?
PQDI and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PQDI and VOO?
PQDI and VOO share 4 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 573 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PQDI or VOO?
PQDI yields 5.61% while VOO yields 1.08%, so PQDI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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