PAAA vs. FRDM

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

PAAA (PGIM AAA CLO ETF) and FRDM (Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PAAA is a CLO fund actively managed by PGIM, while FRDM is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the Life + Liberty Freedom 100 Emerging Markets Index. PAAA is actively managed, while FRDM is passively managed. Over the past year, PAAA returned 5.10% vs 87.32% for FRDM. At a 0.09 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. PAAA charges 0.19%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for FRDM.

Performance

PAAA vs. FRDM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM AAA CLO ETF (PAAA) and Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF (FRDM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PAAA achieves a 2.14% return, which is significantly lower than FRDM's 40.13% return.

PAAA

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.32%
• YTD: 2.14%
• 6M: 2.42%
• 1Y: 5.10%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FRDM

• 1D: 0.49%
• 1M: 4.97%
• YTD: 40.13%
• 6M: 46.37%
• 1Y: 87.32%
• 3Y*: 34.29%
• 5Y*: 18.68%
• 10Y*: —

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

PAAA vs. FRDM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
PAAA PGIM AAA CLO ETF	2.14%	5.37%	7.47%	3.83%
FRDM Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF	40.13%	61.27%	1.70%	1.43%

Correlation

The correlation between PAAA and FRDM is 0.21, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.21
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 26, 2023	0.09

The correlation between PAAA and FRDM shifts across timeframes, from 0.09 (all time) to 0.21 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

PAAA vs. FRDM — Risk / Return Rank

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

PAAA

PAAA Risk / Return Rank: 99
PAAA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 100
PAAA Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
PAAA Omega Ratio Rank: 99
PAAA Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
PAAA Martin Ratio Rank: 99

FRDM

FRDM Risk / Return Rank: 92
FRDM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
FRDM Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
FRDM Omega Ratio Rank: 92
FRDM Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
FRDM Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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.

PAAA vs. FRDM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM AAA CLO ETF (PAAA) and Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF (FRDM). 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.

	PAAA	FRDM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	10.94	3.15	+7.78
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	21.40	3.68	+17.73
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	6.66	1.54	+5.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	29.67	5.02	+24.65
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	183.78	19.36	+164.42

PAAA vs. FRDM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PAAA Sharpe Ratio is 10.94, which is higher than the FRDM Sharpe Ratio of 3.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PAAA and FRDM, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

PAAA vs. FRDM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PAAA drawdown since its inception was -1.04%, smaller than the maximum FRDM drawdown of -40.49%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PAAA and FRDM.

Drawdown Indicators

	PAAA	FRDM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.04%	-40.49%	+39.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.17%	-16.87%	+16.70%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-16.87%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.25%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-4.36%	+4.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.02%	-7.09%	+7.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.03%	4.37%	-4.34%

Volatility

PAAA vs. FRDM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for PGIM AAA CLO ETF (PAAA) is 0.11%, while Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF (FRDM) has a volatility of 14.27%. This indicates that PAAA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FRDM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PAAA	FRDM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.11%	14.27%	-14.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	0.35%	24.39%	-24.04%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.47%	26.86%	-26.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	0.97%	21.35%	-20.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	0.97%	23.09%	-22.12%

PAAA vs. FRDM - Expense Ratio Comparison

PAAA has a 0.19% expense ratio, which is lower than FRDM's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

PAAA vs. FRDM - Dividend Comparison

PAAA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.88%, more than FRDM's 1.56% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
FRDM Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF	1.56%	2.26%	2.53%	2.66%	2.72%	2.17%	1.11%	1.07%
PAAA PGIM AAA CLO ETF	4.88%	5.12%	5.88%	2.76%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PAAA and FRDM in my portfolio?

PAAA and FRDM have a correlation of 0.21, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PAAA or FRDM?

FRDM has higher volatility (14.27%) compared to PAAA (0.11%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PAAA dropped -1.04% vs FRDM's -40.49%.

Which ETF is better, PAAA or FRDM?

On 1-year performance, FRDM leads with 87.32% vs 5.10% for PAAA. On fees, PAAA is cheaper at 0.19% per year. On volatility, PAAA has been the lower-risk option at 0.11%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PAAA or FRDM?

Over the 1-year period, FRDM has performed better with a 87.32% return vs 5.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PAAA or FRDM?

PAAA is cheaper with a 0.19% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for FRDM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PAAA or FRDM?

PAAA has the higher dividend yield at 4.88%, compared with 1.56% for FRDM.

What is the main difference between PAAA and FRDM?

PAAA is categorized as CLO, while FRDM is Emerging Markets Diversified. They also come from different issuers: PGIM and Freedom Funds. Their fees differ too: 0.19% for PAAA and 0.49% for FRDM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PAAA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (10.94 vs 3.15), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.