PBQQ vs. APRB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

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

Performance

PBQQ vs. APRB - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PBQQ achieves a 9.10% return, which is significantly higher than APRB's 4.77% return.

PBQQ

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: 2.58%
• YTD: 9.10%
• 6M: 9.79%
• 1Y: 20.98%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

APRB

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: 1.69%
• YTD: 4.77%
• 6M: 5.32%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PBQQ vs. APRB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PBQQ PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF	9.10%	3.00%
APRB Aptus April Buffer ETF	4.77%	2.48%

Correlation

The correlation between PBQQ and APRB 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 15, 2025	0.91

Return for Risk

PBQQ vs. APRB — Risk / Return Rank

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

PBQQ

PBQQ Risk / Return Rank: 89
PBQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
PBQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
PBQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 91
PBQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
PBQQ 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.

PBQQ vs. APRB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF (PBQQ) and Aptus April Buffer ETF (APRB). 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.

	PBQQ	APRB	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.94	—	—
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	4.33	—	—
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.59	—	—
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.47	—	—
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	21.36	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	PBQQ	APRB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.94	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.50	2.00	-0.50

Drawdowns

PBQQ vs. APRB - Drawdown Comparison

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

Drawdown Indicators

	PBQQ	APRB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.92%	-4.59%	-8.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.71%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.21%	-0.11%	-0.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.26%	-0.74%	-0.52%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.98%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PBQQ	APRB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.07%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.51%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.18%	5.98%	+1.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.88%	5.98%	+5.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.88%	5.98%	+5.90%

PBQQ vs. APRB - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

PBQQ vs. APRB - Dividend Comparison

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

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 PBQQ and APRB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, PBQQ and APRB 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, PBQQ or APRB?

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, PBQQ or APRB?

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

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

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

What is the main difference between PBQQ and APRB?

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