PQOC vs VXUS
PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - October 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 | PQOC | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $22M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +10.91% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.12% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 27, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PQOC vs VXUS Performance
PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - October (PQOC) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PQOC returned +16.12% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, PQOC is up 10.91% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 9.9% 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 -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
PQOC 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, PQOC currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PQOC or VXUS?
PQOC 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, PQOC or VXUS?
Over the past year PQOC returned +16.12% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PQOC annualized +16.05% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PQOC or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 9.9% for PQOC. Worst drawdown: PQOC -13.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PQOC and VXUS?
PQOC 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, PQOC or VXUS?
PQOC yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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