PMSE vs QQQ

Quick Verdict

QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.

Lower Fees: QQQHigher Returns: QQQMore Diversified: QQQ

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPMSEQQQWinner
Expense Ratio0.50%0.18%
AUM$4M$455.8B
Dividend Yield0.00%0.41%
Holdings6108
YTD Return+3.98%+19.68%
1Y Return+6.29%+26.75%
3Y Return (annualized)-+26.25%
5Y Return (annualized)-+15.39%
Volatility (annualized)-30.6%
Max Drawdown-1.4%-83.0%
Fund FamilyPGIM InvestmentsInvesco (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionSep 1, 2025Mar 10, 1999

PMSE vs QQQ Performance

PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - September (PMSE) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PMSE returned +6.29% while QQQ returned +26.75%. Year to date, PMSE is up 3.98% versus a gain of 19.68% for QQQ.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -1.4% for PMSE and -83.0% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PMSE 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, PMSE currently yields 0.00% against 0.41% for QQQ.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, PMSE or QQQ?

PMSE 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, PMSE or QQQ?

Over the past year PMSE returned +6.29% vs +26.75% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which pays a higher dividend, PMSE or QQQ?

PMSE yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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