PQJL vs QQQ
PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - July 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 | PQJL | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $23M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.01% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +6.48% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.94% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.5% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.3% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 27, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PQJL vs QQQ Performance
PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - July (PQJL) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PQJL returned +12.94% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, PQJL is up 6.48% 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 9.5% for PQJL. 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 -12.3% for PQJL 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PQJL 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, PQJL currently yields 0.01% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PQJL or QQQ?
PQJL 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, PQJL or QQQ?
Over the past year PQJL returned +12.94% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PQJL annualized +13.81% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PQJL or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 9.5% for PQJL. Worst drawdown: PQJL -12.3% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PQJL and QQQ?
PQJL and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, 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, PQJL or QQQ?
PQJL yields 0.01% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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