PQJA vs VOO
PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - January vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PQJA | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $30M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +9.71% | +12.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.69% | +20.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.1% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 27, 2024 | Sep 7, 2010 |
PQJA vs VOO Performance
PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - January (PQJA) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PQJA returned +17.69% while VOO returned +20.92%. Year to date, PQJA is up 9.71% versus a gain of 12.25% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 10.1% for PQJA. 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 -14.7% for PQJA and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PQJA charges 0.50% per year while VOO 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, PQJA currently yields 0.00% against 1.08% for VOO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PQJA or VOO?
PQJA has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PQJA or VOO?
Over the past year PQJA returned +17.69% vs +20.92% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PQJA annualized +16.51% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PQJA or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 10.1% for PQJA. Worst drawdown: PQJA -14.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both PQJA and VOO?
PQJA and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
Which pays a higher dividend, PQJA or VOO?
PQJA yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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