PQJA vs VXUS
PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - January vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PQJA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $29M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +10.05% | +15.00% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.75% | +26.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 27, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PQJA vs VXUS Performance
PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - January (PQJA) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PQJA returned +16.75% while VXUS returned +26.87%. Year to date, PQJA is up 10.05% versus a gain of 15.00% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PQJA charges 0.50% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $5 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PQJA currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PQJA or VXUS?
PQJA has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PQJA or VXUS?
Over the past year PQJA returned +16.75% vs +26.87% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PQJA annualized +16.98% vs +4.88% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PQJA or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 10.2% for PQJA. Worst drawdown: PQJA -14.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PQJA and VXUS?
PQJA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, PQJA or VXUS?
PQJA yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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