PFF vs PFFD: Yield, Cost and Returns Compared
As of Nov 5, 2026, PFFD yields more: 5.92% (dividend yield) against 5.18% for PFF. PFFD is cheaper to own at 0.23% a year vs 0.45%. Over the same 9 years (Sep 2017 to Oct 2026), PFF returned 2.3% a year with distributions reinvested, and PFFD 1.6%.
PFFiShares Preferred and Income Securities ETF5.18%dividend yield| Compared | PFF | PFFD |
|---|---|---|
| YieldDividend yield | 5.18% | 5.92% |
| Expense ratio | 0.45% | 0.23% |
| Total return, 1 yr | −3.8% | −5.7% |
| Total return, 3 yr (a year) | +6.1% | +5.1% |
| Total return, 5 yr (a year) | −0.6% | −2.3% |
| Total return, 10 yr (a year) | +2.6% | — |
| Worst drop since Sep 2017 | -19.7% | -23.5% |
| Share price since Sep 2017 | −27% | −32% |
| Pays | Monthly | Monthly |
| Issuer | iShares | Global X |
| Assets | $11.7B | $1.8B |
| Started | 2007 | 2017 |
| Type | Preferred Stock | Preferred Stock |
Higher yield
PFFD
5.92%
Lower cost
PFFD
0.23%
Better total return
PFF
2.3%/yr
Smaller worst drop
PFF
-19.7%
Key facts: PFF vs PFFD
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, PFF yields 5.18% (dividend yield) and PFFD yields 5.92% (dividend yield).
- PFF's expense ratio is 0.45% and PFFD's is 0.23%: $45 vs $23 a year on $10,000.
- From Sep 2017 to Oct 2026, $10,000 in PFF grew to $12,263 (2.3% a year) and $10,000 in PFFD to $11,579 (1.6% a year), distributions reinvested.
- Their worst month-end drops over that time: -19.7% for PFF and -23.5% for PFFD.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "PFF vs PFFD: Yield, Cost and Returns Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/pff-vs-pffd
$10,000 in each, Sep 2017 to Oct 2026
Distributions reinvested, month-end values, with the S&P 500 for reference.
PFF became
$12,263
2.3% a year
PFFD became
$11,579
1.6% a year
Year by year
| Year | PFF | PFFD |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | +4.9% | +3.2% |
| 2024 | +7.3% | +7.0% |
| 2023 | +9.2% | +6.9% |
| 2022 | −18.2% | −20.2% |
| 2021 | +7.1% | +5.1% |
| 2020 | +7.9% | +8.9% |
| 2019 | +15.9% | +17.4% |
| 2018 | −4.6% | −3.9% |
Total return each calendar year, distributions reinvested.
Top holdings
No overlap in the top ten.
PFF
- XTSLA BlackRock Cash Funds Treasury SL Agency1.3%
PFFD
- Holdings not reported.
PFF vs PFFD: questions
Is PFF or PFFD better?
It depends on the job. PFFD pays more today (5.92% vs 5.18%), PFFD costs less, and PFF has the better total return over Sep 2017 to Oct 2026, with PFF holding up better in its worst stretch. For income, look at yield and whether the payouts hold up; for growth, total return and drawdowns.
Which pays a higher dividend, PFF or PFFD?
PFFD, at 5.92% against 5.18% for PFF as of Nov 5, 2026. On $10,000 that's about $592 vs $518 a year at today's rates.
Which has the better total return?
PFF. From Sep 2017 to Oct 2026, it returned 2.3% a year with distributions reinvested, against 1.6% for PFFD. $10,000 became $12,263 vs $11,579.
Which is cheaper, PFF or PFFD?
PFFD, with a 0.23% expense ratio against 0.45%.
Related comparisons
Yields, costs and holdings as each fund reports them (via Yahoo Finance), updated daily; returns from month-end prices with distributions reinvested. PFF leads on 5 of 7 measures above. For information only, not investment advice. Last fund data: Nov 5, 2026.