PQJA vs VTI
PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - January vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PQJA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $30M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +9.93% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.22% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 27, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
PQJA vs VTI Performance
PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - January (PQJA) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PQJA returned +18.22% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, PQJA is up 9.93% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 10.2% 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PQJA or VTI?
PQJA has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PQJA or VTI?
Over the past year PQJA returned +18.22% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PQJA annualized +16.63% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PQJA or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.2% for PQJA. Worst drawdown: PQJA -14.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PQJA and VTI?
PQJA and VTI 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 VTI?
PQJA yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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