FIXD vs IG
First Trust Smith Opportunistic Fixed Income ETF vs Principal Investment Grade Corporate ETF
Which is better, FIXD or IG?
Each has led over a different period.
IG has a lower expense ratio. FIXD led over 1Y, 5Y and the full window, IG over 3Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FIXD | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.19%Best |
| AUM | $2.9B | $203M |
| Dividend Yield | 4.97% | 5.36% |
| Holdings | 421 | 510 |
| YTD Return | -2.78%Best | -4.65% |
| 1Y Return | -2.86%Best | -4.70% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.40% | +4.58%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.19%Best | -1.34% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.1%Best | 8.0% |
| Max Drawdown | -21.8%Best | -23.8% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $9,419Best | $9,348 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Principal Funds |
| Category | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Style | Long Term Mid Quality | Long Term Mid Quality |
| Inception | Feb 14, 2017 | Apr 18, 2018 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 19, 2018 to Oct 14, 2026 (8.5 years).
FIXD vs IG growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 8.5 years both funds cover.
FIXD vs IG Performance
First Trust Smith Opportunistic Fixed Income ETF (FIXD) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Principal Investment Grade Corporate ETF (IG) is an ETF from Principal Funds. Over the past year FIXD returned -2.86% while IG returned -4.70%. Year to date, FIXD is down 2.78% versus a loss of 4.65% for IG.
Over three years, FIXD compounded at +4.40% per year against +4.58% for IG; over five years the annualized figures are -1.19% and -1.34% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, FIXD has the edge at +0.42% annualized vs +0.19%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 8.0% compared with 6.1% for FIXD. 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 -21.8% for FIXD and -23.8% for IG. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FIXD charges 0.65% per year while IG charges 0.19%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $19 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FIXD currently yields 4.97% against 5.36% for IG.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 1 holding in FIXD and 124 in IG, totalling 0.3% and 53.8% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 1 positions we hold weights for in FIXD and 124 in IG, against full books of 421 and 510.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FIXD and IG you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FIXD or IG?
FIXD has an expense ratio of 0.65% while IG charges 0.19%. IG is the cheaper option, by $46 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FIXD or IG?
Over the past year FIXD returned -2.86% vs -4.70% for IG, so FIXD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FIXD annualized +0.42% vs +0.19% for IG. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FIXD or IG?
IG has been the more volatile fund at 8.0% annualized versus 6.1% for FIXD. Worst drawdown: FIXD -21.8% vs IG -23.8%.
Should I hold both FIXD and IG?
FIXD and IG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, FIXD or IG?
FIXD yields 4.97% while IG yields 5.36%, so IG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is IG better than FIXD?
IG has a lower expense ratio. FIXD led over 1Y, 5Y and the full window, IG over 3Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.