PBFR vs QQQ
PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 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 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PBFR | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $213M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.01% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 15 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +6.28% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.53% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.3% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.5% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 11, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PBFR vs QQQ Performance
PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF (PBFR) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PBFR returned +10.53% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, PBFR is up 6.28% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 4.3% for PBFR. 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 -8.5% for PBFR 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PBFR 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, PBFR currently yields 0.01% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
PBFR and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 114 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, PBFR or QQQ?
PBFR 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, PBFR or QQQ?
Over the past year PBFR returned +10.53% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PBFR annualized +10.29% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PBFR or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 4.3% for PBFR. Worst drawdown: PBFR -8.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PBFR and QQQ?
PBFR and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PBFR and QQQ?
PBFR and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 114 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PBFR or QQQ?
PBFR yields 0.01% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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