PBQQ vs VTI
PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PBQQ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $80M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.01% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +9.79% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.83% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 27, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
PBQQ vs VTI Performance
PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF (PBQQ) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PBQQ returned +15.83% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, PBQQ is up 9.79% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 8.9% for PBQQ. 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 -12.9% for PBQQ and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PBQQ charges 0.50% per year while VTI 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, PBQQ currently yields 0.01% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
PBQQ and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2791 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, PBQQ or VTI?
PBQQ has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PBQQ or VTI?
Over the past year PBQQ returned +15.83% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PBQQ annualized +15.59% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PBQQ or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 8.9% for PBQQ. Worst drawdown: PBQQ -12.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PBQQ and VTI?
PBQQ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between PBQQ and VTI?
PBQQ and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2791 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PBQQ or VTI?
PBQQ yields 0.01% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.