PCI vs QQQ
PGIM Corporate Bond 5-10 Year ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. PCI offers more diversification with 286 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PCI | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $530M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.49% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 286 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -3.07% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.59% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.9% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.5% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 29, 2025 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PCI vs QQQ Performance
PGIM Corporate Bond 5-10 Year ETF (PCI) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PCI returned -0.59% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, PCI is down 3.07% versus a gain of 16.64% for QQQ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 3.9% for PCI. 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 -4.5% for PCI 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PCI charges 0.25% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $18 annually, a gap of $7 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PCI currently yields 5.49% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
PCI and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 262 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, PCI or QQQ?
PCI has an expense ratio of 0.25% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $7 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PCI or QQQ?
Over the past year PCI returned -0.59% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), PCI annualized -0.76% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PCI or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 3.9% for PCI. Worst drawdown: PCI -4.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PCI and QQQ?
PCI and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PCI and QQQ?
PCI and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 262 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PCI or QQQ?
PCI yields 5.49% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so PCI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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