PFF vs PFXF: Yield, Cost and Returns Compared
As of Nov 5, 2026, PFXF yields more: 5.58% (dividend yield) against 5.18% for PFF. PFXF is cheaper to own at 0.40% a year vs 0.45%. Over the same 14 years (Jul 2012 to Oct 2026), PFXF returned 4.8% a year with distributions reinvested, and PFF 3.6%.
PFFiShares Preferred and Income Securities ETF5.18%dividend yield| Compared | PFF | PFXF |
|---|---|---|
| YieldDividend yield | 5.18% | 5.58% |
| Expense ratio | 0.45% | 0.40% |
| Total return, 1 yr | −3.8% | +0.1% |
| Total return, 3 yr (a year) | +6.1% | +9.0% |
| Total return, 5 yr (a year) | −0.6% | +1.5% |
| Total return, 10 yr (a year) | +2.6% | +4.3% |
| Worst drop since Jul 2012 | -19.7% | -19.6% |
| Share price since Jul 2012 | −28% | −18% |
| Pays | Monthly | Monthly |
| Issuer | iShares | VanEck |
| Assets | $11.7B | $2.2B |
| Started | 2007 | 2012 |
| Type | Preferred Stock | Preferred Stock |
Higher yield
PFXF
5.58%
Lower cost
PFXF
0.40%
Better total return
PFXF
4.8%/yr
Smaller worst drop
PFXF
-19.6%
Key facts: PFF vs PFXF
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, PFF yields 5.18% (dividend yield) and PFXF yields 5.58% (dividend yield).
- PFF's expense ratio is 0.45% and PFXF's is 0.40%: $45 vs $40 a year on $10,000.
- From Jul 2012 to Oct 2026, $10,000 in PFF grew to $16,457 (3.6% a year) and $10,000 in PFXF to $19,517 (4.8% a year), distributions reinvested.
- Their worst month-end drops over that time: -19.7% for PFF and -19.6% for PFXF.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "PFF vs PFXF: Yield, Cost and Returns Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/pff-vs-pfxf
$10,000 in each, Jul 2012 to Oct 2026
Distributions reinvested, month-end values, with the S&P 500 for reference.
PFF became
$16,457
3.6% a year
PFXF became
$19,517
4.8% a year
Year by year
| Year | PFF | PFXF |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | +4.9% | +9.6% |
| 2024 | +7.3% | +8.5% |
| 2023 | +9.2% | +11.2% |
| 2022 | −18.2% | −18.9% |
| 2021 | +7.1% | +11.6% |
| 2020 | +7.9% | +7.6% |
| 2019 | +15.9% | +20.5% |
| 2018 | −4.6% | −4.2% |
| 2017 | +8.1% | +8.0% |
| 2016 | +1.3% | +6.6% |
| 2015 | +4.3% | −1.5% |
| 2014 | +14.1% | +15.9% |
| 2013 | −1.0% | −2.0% |
Total return each calendar year, distributions reinvested.
Top holdings
No overlap in the top ten.
PFF
- XTSLA BlackRock Cash Funds Treasury SL Agency1.3%
PFXF
- Holdings not reported.
PFF vs PFXF: questions
Is PFF or PFXF better?
It depends on the job. PFXF pays more today (5.58% vs 5.18%), PFXF costs less, and PFXF has the better total return over Jul 2012 to Oct 2026, with PFXF 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 PFXF?
PFXF, at 5.58% against 5.18% for PFF as of Nov 5, 2026. On $10,000 that's about $558 vs $518 a year at today's rates.
Which has the better total return?
PFXF. From Jul 2012 to Oct 2026, it returned 4.8% a year with distributions reinvested, against 3.6% for PFF. $10,000 became $19,517 vs $16,457.
Which is cheaper, PFF or PFXF?
PFXF, with a 0.40% 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. PFXF leads on 8 of 8 measures above. For information only, not investment advice. Last fund data: Nov 5, 2026.