PBJA vs VOO
PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - January vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PBJA | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $63M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +6.07% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.16% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.4% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.5% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 29, 2023 | Sep 7, 2010 |
PBJA vs VOO Performance
PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - January (PBJA) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PBJA returned +11.16% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, PBJA is up 6.07% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 4.4% for PBJA. 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 PBJA and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PBJA charges 0.50% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $3 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PBJA currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PBJA or VOO?
PBJA has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PBJA or VOO?
Over the past year PBJA returned +11.16% vs +22.62% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), PBJA annualized +11.02% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PBJA or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 4.4% for PBJA. Worst drawdown: PBJA -8.5% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both PBJA and VOO?
PBJA and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
Which pays a higher dividend, PBJA or VOO?
PBJA yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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