PQOC vs VYM
PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - October 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 | PQOC | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $22M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +11.31% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.88% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 27, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
PQOC vs VYM Performance
PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - October (PQOC) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PQOC returned +15.88% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, PQOC is up 11.31% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -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
PQOC 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, PQOC currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PQOC or VYM?
PQOC 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, PQOC or VYM?
Over the past year PQOC returned +15.88% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PQOC annualized +16.25% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PQOC or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 10.0% for PQOC. Worst drawdown: PQOC -13.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both PQOC and VYM?
PQOC 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, PQOC or VYM?
PQOC yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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