PQAP vs QQQ
PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - April vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Which is better, PQAP or QQQ?
Option Writing against Large Cap Growth.
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. PQAP led over 1Y, QQQ over the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.90.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PQAP | QQQ |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.18%Best |
| AUM | $32M | $437.3B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.02% | 0.43% |
| Holdings | 15 | 208 |
| YTD Return | +14.06%Best | +12.98% |
| 1Y Return | +15.80%Best | +11.59% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +23.05% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.74% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.6%Best | 20.1% |
| Max Drawdown | -10.8%Best | -22.8% |
| $10,000 over 1.9 years | $13,143 | $13,746Best |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Invesco (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Option Writing | Large Cap Growth |
| Inception | Dec 27, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.9 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 2, 2025 to Nov 11, 2026 (1.9 years).
PQAP vs QQQ growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 1.9 years both funds cover.
PQAP vs QQQ Performance
PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - April (PQAP) is an ETF from PGIM Investments and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is an ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PQAP returned +15.80% while QQQ returned +11.59%. Year to date, PQAP is up 14.06% versus a gain of 12.98% for QQQ.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% compared with 6.6% for PQAP. 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 -10.8% for PQAP and -22.8% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PQAP 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, PQAP currently yields 0.02% against 0.43% for QQQ.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of PQAP and QQQ you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PQAP or QQQ?
PQAP has an expense ratio of 0.50% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option, by $32 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, PQAP or QQQ?
Over the past year PQAP returned +15.80% vs +11.59% for QQQ, so PQAP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PQAP annualized +15.47% vs +18.23% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, PQAP or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 6.6% for PQAP. Worst drawdown: PQAP -10.8% vs QQQ -22.8%.
Should I hold both PQAP and QQQ?
PQAP and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, PQAP or QQQ?
PQAP yields 0.02% while QQQ yields 0.43%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is QQQ better than PQAP?
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. PQAP led over 1Y, QQQ over the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.90. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.