PBJA vs. FAAR

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PBJA (PGIM US Large-Cap Buffer 20 ETF - January) and FAAR (First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PBJA is a Options Trading fund actively managed by PGIM, while FAAR is a Commodities fund actively managed by First Trust. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, PBJA returned 11.81% vs 28.33% for FAAR. At a 0.03 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. PBJA charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for FAAR.

Performance

PBJA vs. FAAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM US Large-Cap Buffer 20 ETF - January (PBJA) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PBJA achieves a 3.96% return, which is significantly lower than FAAR's 19.14% return.

PBJA

• 1D: -0.34%
• 1M: 0.04%
• YTD: 3.96%
• 6M: 4.17%
• 1Y: 11.81%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FAAR

• 1D: -0.91%
• 1M: -5.21%
• YTD: 19.14%
• 6M: 18.06%
• 1Y: 28.33%
• 3Y*: 10.57%
• 5Y*: 7.72%
• 10Y*: 4.69%

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

PBJA vs. FAAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
PBJA PGIM US Large-Cap Buffer 20 ETF - January	3.96%	10.33%	12.05%
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	19.14%	8.07%	5.97%

Correlation

The correlation between PBJA and FAAR is -0.05, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.05
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2024	0.03

Return for Risk

PBJA vs. FAAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

PBJA

PBJA Risk / Return Rank: 85
PBJA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
PBJA Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
PBJA Omega Ratio Rank: 90
PBJA Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
PBJA Martin Ratio Rank: 88

FAAR

FAAR Risk / Return Rank: 75
FAAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
FAAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
FAAR Omega Ratio Rank: 65
FAAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
FAAR Martin Ratio Rank: 81

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.

PBJA vs. FAAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM US Large-Cap Buffer 20 ETF - January (PBJA) and First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR). 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.

	PBJA	FAAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.55	2.15	+0.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.79	3.09	+0.70
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.54	1.37	+0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.31	4.52	-1.21
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.76	15.18	+2.58

PBJA vs. FAAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PBJA Sharpe Ratio is 2.55, which is comparable to the FAAR Sharpe Ratio of 2.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PBJA and FAAR, 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

PBJA vs. FAAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PBJA drawdown since its inception was -8.50%, smaller than the maximum FAAR drawdown of -18.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PBJA and FAAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	PBJA	FAAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.50%	-18.03%	+9.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.58%	-6.29%	+2.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-11.54%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-18.03%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-18.03%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.56%	-6.29%	+5.73%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.55%	-7.82%	+7.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.67%	1.87%	-1.20%

Volatility

PBJA vs. FAAR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for PGIM US Large-Cap Buffer 20 ETF - January (PBJA) is 1.37%, while First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR) has a volatility of 2.55%. This indicates that PBJA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FAAR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PBJA	FAAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.37%	2.55%	-1.18%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.93%	9.68%	-5.75%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.68%	13.38%	-8.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.36%	12.96%	-6.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.36%	11.54%	-5.18%

PBJA vs. FAAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

PBJA has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than FAAR's 0.95% expense ratio.

Dividends

PBJA vs. FAAR - Dividend Comparison

PBJA has not paid dividends to shareholders, while FAAR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.66%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	9.66%	11.63%	3.45%	3.20%	5.82%	6.49%	3.05%	1.02%	0.58%	2.83%
PBJA PGIM US Large-Cap Buffer 20 ETF - January	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PBJA and FAAR in my portfolio?

PBJA and FAAR have a correlation of -0.05, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PBJA or FAAR?

FAAR has higher volatility (2.55%) compared to PBJA (1.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PBJA dropped -8.50% vs FAAR's -18.03%.

Which ETF is better, PBJA or FAAR?

On 1-year performance, FAAR leads with 28.33% vs 11.81% for PBJA. On fees, PBJA is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, PBJA has been the lower-risk option at 1.37%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PBJA or FAAR?

Over the 1-year period, FAAR has performed better with a 28.33% return vs 11.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PBJA or FAAR?

PBJA is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for FAAR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PBJA or FAAR?

FAAR has the higher dividend yield at 9.66%, compared with 0.00% for PBJA.

What is the main difference between PBJA and FAAR?

PBJA is categorized as Options Trading, while FAAR is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: PGIM and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for PBJA and 0.95% for FAAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PBJA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.55 vs 2.15), 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.