PQJA vs VYM
PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - January vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PQJA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $29M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +10.43% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.07% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 27, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
PQJA vs VYM Performance
PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - January (PQJA) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PQJA returned +17.07% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, PQJA is up 10.43% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PQJA charges 0.50% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $4 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PQJA currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PQJA or VYM?
PQJA has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PQJA or VYM?
Over the past year PQJA returned +17.07% vs +24.43% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PQJA annualized +17.20% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PQJA or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 10.2% for PQJA. Worst drawdown: PQJA -14.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both PQJA and VYM?
PQJA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, PQJA or VYM?
PQJA yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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