PAB vs QQQ
PGIM Active Aggregate Bond ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. PAB offers more diversification with 436 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PAB | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.19% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $75M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.41% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 436 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -0.06% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.89% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.08% | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.22% | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 12, 2021 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PAB vs QQQ Performance
PGIM Active Aggregate Bond ETF (PAB) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PAB returned +2.89% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, PAB is down 0.06% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Over three years, PAB compounded at +5.08% per year against +25.96% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -0.22% and +14.54% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +0.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 6.4% for PAB. 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 -19.3% for PAB 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PAB charges 0.19% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $19 vs $18 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PAB currently yields 5.41% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
PAB and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 377 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, PAB or QQQ?
PAB has an expense ratio of 0.19% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PAB or QQQ?
Over the past year PAB returned +2.89% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), PAB annualized +0.14% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PAB or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 6.4% for PAB. Worst drawdown: PAB -19.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PAB and QQQ?
PAB and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PAB and QQQ?
PAB and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 377 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PAB or QQQ?
PAB yields 5.41% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so PAB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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