BUFP vs QQQ
PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BUFP | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $223M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.01% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 15 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +8.70% | +17.85% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.29% | +26.45% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +26.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.16% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.0% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 11, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
BUFP vs QQQ Performance
PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF (BUFP) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year BUFP returned +14.29% while QQQ returned +26.45%. Year to date, BUFP is up 8.70% versus a gain of 17.85% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 6.2% for BUFP. 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 -12.0% for BUFP and -83.0% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUFP charges 0.50% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $18 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUFP currently yields 0.01% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
BUFP and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 115 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BUFP or QQQ?
BUFP has an expense ratio of 0.50% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUFP or QQQ?
Over the past year BUFP returned +14.29% vs +26.45% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BUFP annualized +13.12% vs +13.09% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUFP or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 6.2% for BUFP. Worst drawdown: BUFP -12.0% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both BUFP and QQQ?
BUFP and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BUFP and QQQ?
BUFP and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 115 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFP or QQQ?
BUFP yields 0.01% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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