PQOC vs QQQ
PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - October 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 | PQOC | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $23M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +11.19% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.05% | +27.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +25.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.0% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.7% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 27, 2024 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PQOC vs QQQ Performance
PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - October (PQOC) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PQOC returned +17.05% while QQQ returned +27.27%. Year to date, PQOC is up 11.19% 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 10.0% for PQOC. 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 -13.7% for PQOC 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PQOC 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, PQOC currently yields 0.00% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PQOC or QQQ?
PQOC 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, PQOC or QQQ?
Over the past year PQOC returned +17.05% vs +27.27% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PQOC annualized +15.91% vs +13.03% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PQOC or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 10.0% for PQOC. Worst drawdown: PQOC -13.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PQOC and QQQ?
PQOC and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, 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, PQOC or QQQ?
PQOC yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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