A head-to-head comparison of iShares Preferred and Income Securities ETF and Global X U.S. Preferred ETF covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.
ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks — the issuer's full lineup may be larger.
iShares is one of the largest ETF providers globally, known for offering a broad, diversified lineup of exchange-traded funds across multiple asset classes and investment strategies. The company operates 215 funds spanning 15 distinct families, including popular offerings in dividend income, covered call strategies, bonds, equities, ESG-focused investments, and factor-based approaches, with widely-held tickers like AGG (bond), ACWI (global equity), and AOA (allocation). iShares is characterized by its comprehensive fund ecosystem that serves both core portfolio holdings and specialized investment strategies, making it a prominent player for investors seeking both traditional and alternative income-generating ETF solutions.
See our curated list of related YouTube videos on PFF.
ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks — the issuer's full lineup may be larger.
Global X is known for developing thematic and alternative investment ETFs with a strong emphasis on income-generating strategies. Their 37-fund lineup spans diverse categories including covered call funds, SuperDividend income products, digital assets, commodities, and sector-specific investments, alongside traditional bond and risk-managed income options. Notable tickers like DIV, MLPA, and BCCC reflect their specialization in high-yield and alternative income strategies, positioning them as a provider focused on investors seeking yield-oriented and thematically-driven exposure.
See our curated list of related YouTube videos on PFFD.
Seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. dollar-denominated preferred and hybrid securities.
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Asset class
Fixed Income
Equity
Inception date
03/26/2007
09/11/2017
Beta
0.97
1.07
Last dividend
$0.1417
$0.1000
Ex-dividend date
07/01/2026
07/01/2026
Bottom lineChoose PFF if you want fixed-income ballast that steadies the portfolio when stocks fall. Choose PFFD if you want higher current income (6.46% vs 5.57% for PFF).
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Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Quick verdict
PFF (iShares Preferred and Income Securities ETF) and PFFD (Global X U.S. Preferred ETF) are both monthly-pay dividend ETFs, but they take different approaches.
PFFD offers the higher yield at 6.46% vs 5.57% for PFF. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.
PFFD is cheaper with an expense ratio of 0.23% compared to 0.46%.
PFF is the larger fund by assets ($13.5B), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment, PFF would generate roughly $46.42/month, while PFFD would produce $53.83/month, at current distribution rates. Both pay monthly distributions.
PFF yield5.57%
PFFD yield6.46%
Monthly diff on $10K$7.42
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, PFF would cost approximately $460 in fees vs $230 for PFFD (simplified, not compounded). The $230.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.
PFF ER0.46%
PFFD ER0.23%
Strategy & risk
PFF is an ETF, while PFFD is an ETF. Beta is 0.97 for PFF and 1.07 for PFFD, indicating PFF is less volatile relative to the market.
PFF beta0.97
PFFD beta1.07
Fund details
PFF is managed by iShares (launched 03/26/2007) with $13.5B in assets. PFFD is managed by Global X (launched 09/11/2017) with $2.16B in assets.
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Frequently asked questions
Is PFF or PFFD better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. PFFD currently offers the higher distribution yield, which means more income per dollar invested. However, a lower-yield fund may offer better total return or lower volatility. Consider your time horizon and risk tolerance.
What is the difference between PFF and PFFD?
PFF (iShares Preferred and Income Securities ETF) is an ETF, while PFFD (Global X U.S. Preferred ETF) is an ETF. They are issued by iShares and Global X respectively.
Can I hold both PFF and PFFD?
Yes — nothing prevents holding both. Whether the combination actually diversifies depends on how much the underlying exposures overlap, which isn't fully measurable from the data on this page; review each security's holdings, sector, and strategy before treating them as complementary.
Which has lower fees, PFF or PFFD?
PFF has an expense ratio of 0.46% while PFFD charges 0.23%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in PFF vs PFFD generate?
At current rates, $10,000 in PFF would generate roughly $46.42 per month ($557.00 annually). The same in PFFD would produce about $53.83 per month ($646.00 annually).
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