APRB vs. PBQQ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

APRB (Aptus April Buffer ETF) and PBQQ (PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. APRB charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for PBQQ.

Performance

APRB vs. PBQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Aptus April Buffer ETF (APRB) and PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF (PBQQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, APRB achieves a 4.53% return, which is significantly lower than PBQQ's 8.21% return.

APRB

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 0.19%
• YTD: 4.53%
• 6M: 4.23%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PBQQ

• 1D: -0.75%
• 1M: -0.22%
• YTD: 8.21%
• 6M: 8.11%
• 1Y: 19.15%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

APRB vs. PBQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
APRB Aptus April Buffer ETF	4.53%	2.48%
PBQQ PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF	8.21%	2.73%

Correlation

The correlation between APRB and PBQQ is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 14, 2025	0.91

Return for Risk

APRB vs. PBQQ — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

APRB

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

PBQQ

PBQQ Risk / Return Rank: 88
PBQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
PBQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
PBQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 90
PBQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
PBQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 90

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

APRB vs. PBQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Aptus April Buffer ETF (APRB) and PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF (PBQQ). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	APRB	PBQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.64	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.85	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.52	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	4.08	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	19.12	—

Drawdowns

APRB vs. PBQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum APRB drawdown since its inception was -4.59%, smaller than the maximum PBQQ drawdown of -12.92%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for APRB and PBQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	APRB	PBQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.59%	-12.92%	+8.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-4.71%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.45%	-1.02%	+0.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.71%	-1.24%	+0.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.00%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	APRB	PBQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.24%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	5.77%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.97%	7.32%	-1.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.97%	11.79%	-5.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.97%	11.79%	-5.82%

APRB vs. PBQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

APRB has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than PBQQ's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

APRB vs. PBQQ - Dividend Comparison

APRB has not paid dividends to shareholders, while PBQQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.01%.

Position	TTM	2025
APRB Aptus April Buffer ETF	0.00%	0.00%
PBQQ PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF	0.01%	0.01%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both APRB and PBQQ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, APRB and PBQQ move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, APRB or PBQQ?

On fees, APRB is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, APRB or PBQQ?

APRB is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for PBQQ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, APRB or PBQQ?

PBQQ has the higher dividend yield at 0.01%, compared with 0.00% for APRB.

What is the main difference between APRB and PBQQ?

They also come from different issuers: Aptus Capital Advisors and PGIM. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for APRB and 0.50% for PBQQ.