Principal U.S. Small-MidCap Multi-Factor ETF (PSM) is an exchange-traded fund that seeks investment results corresponding to the performance of the Nasdaq US Small Mid Cap Select Leaders Index, prior to fees and expenses. The fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in small- and mid-cap U.S. equities selected through a multi-factor model emphasizing quality, value, and momentum factors; it employs a modified weighting process to provide broad index-aware exposure while avoiding fundamentally distressed companies across diversified sectors including consumer cyclical, financials, technology, industrials, and healthcare. With approximately 470 holdings predominantly in U.S. companies (96.93% allocation), the ETF features small-cap (45.69%), mid-cap (32.64%), and micro-cap (20.26%) weightings; geographic operations focus on the United States, with minor exposure to developed markets ex-U.S. (2.63%) and emerging markets (0.33%).
Launched in late 2020 and sponsored by Principal Asset Management, Inc., the investment arm of Principal Financial Group, Inc., headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, PSM operates within the small-cap blend equities category. Principal Financial Group founded its core operations in 1879, though the ETF lineup reflects modern expansions in multi-factor strategies.
In recent developments, Principal Asset Management announced on December 14, 2025, a name change for another ETF in its lineup—the Principal Investment Grade Corporate Active ETF (IG) to Principal Investment Grade Corporate ETF—along with an exchange shift from NYSE Arca to Cboe BZX, effective around April 21, 2026, as part of routine product reviews; this reflects ongoing strategic adjustments in its ETF offerings amid active ETF demand growth. Earlier, in September 2020, PSM itself underwent a name change from Principal U.S. Small-MidCap Multi-Factor Core Index ETF to its current designation, enhancing clarity on its multi-factor approach. Principal continues to expand its ETF suite, including the July 2023 launch of a Focused strategy and a new international equity ETF (PIEQ) to capitalize on market trends.