PQAP vs QQQ
PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - April vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PQAP | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $27M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.02% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +13.28% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.41% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.7% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.8% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 27, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PQAP vs QQQ Performance
PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - April (PQAP) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PQAP returned +18.41% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, PQAP is up 13.28% 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 6.7% 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 -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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
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 0.44% for QQQ.
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. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PQAP or QQQ?
Over the past year PQAP returned +18.41% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PQAP annualized +17.28% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PQAP or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 6.7% for PQAP. Worst drawdown: PQAP -10.8% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PQAP and QQQ?
PQAP and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, PQAP or QQQ?
PQAP yields 0.02% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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