PBQQ vs. EINC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PBQQ (PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF) and EINC (VanEck Energy Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PBQQ is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by PGIM, while EINC is a Energy Equities fund tracking the MVIS North America Energy Infrastructure Index. PBQQ is actively managed, while EINC is passively managed. Over the past year, PBQQ returned 19.15% vs 29.82% for EINC. At a 0.11 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. PBQQ charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for EINC.

Performance

PBQQ vs. EINC - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PBQQ achieves a 8.21% return, which is significantly lower than EINC's 25.97% return.

PBQQ

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

EINC

• 1D: 1.37%
• 1M: -4.50%
• YTD: 25.97%
• 6M: 25.98%
• 1Y: 29.82%
• 3Y*: 30.36%
• 5Y*: 21.18%
• 10Y*: 12.03%

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

PBQQ vs. EINC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PBQQ PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF	8.21%	15.44%
EINC VanEck Energy Income ETF	25.97%	7.11%

Correlation

The correlation between PBQQ and EINC is -0.13, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.13
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2025	0.11

The correlation between PBQQ and EINC shifts across timeframes, from -0.13 (1 year) to 0.11 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

PBQQ vs. EINC — Risk / Return Rank

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

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

EINC

EINC Risk / Return Rank: 64
EINC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
EINC Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
EINC Omega Ratio Rank: 60
EINC Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
EINC Martin Ratio Rank: 57

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. EINC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF (PBQQ) and VanEck Energy Income ETF (EINC). 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.

	PBQQ	EINC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.64	1.99	+0.65
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.85	2.67	+1.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.52	1.35	+0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.08	3.80	+0.28
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.12	9.63	+9.49

PBQQ vs. EINC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PBQQ Sharpe Ratio is 2.64, which is higher than the EINC Sharpe Ratio of 1.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PBQQ and EINC, 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

PBQQ vs. EINC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PBQQ drawdown since its inception was -12.92%, smaller than the maximum EINC drawdown of -87.55%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PBQQ and EINC.

Drawdown Indicators

	PBQQ	EINC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.92%	-87.55%	+74.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.71%	-7.89%	+3.18%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-16.01%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-19.87%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-68.85%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.02%	-4.50%	+3.48%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.24%	-44.15%	+42.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.00%	3.10%	-2.10%

Volatility

PBQQ vs. EINC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF (PBQQ) is 2.24%, while VanEck Energy Income ETF (EINC) has a volatility of 6.51%. This indicates that PBQQ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EINC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PBQQ	EINC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.24%	6.51%	-4.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.77%	11.88%	-6.11%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.32%	15.10%	-7.78%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.79%	19.54%	-7.75%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.79%	25.43%	-13.64%

PBQQ vs. EINC - Expense Ratio Comparison

PBQQ has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than EINC's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

PBQQ vs. EINC - Dividend Comparison

PBQQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.01%, less than EINC's 3.51% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EINC VanEck Energy Income ETF	3.51%	4.51%	3.33%	3.77%	2.89%	6.03%	6.69%	9.66%	11.31%	8.53%	9.71%	28.53%
PBQQ PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF	0.01%	0.01%	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 PBQQ and EINC in my portfolio?

PBQQ and EINC have a correlation of -0.13, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PBQQ or EINC?

EINC has higher volatility (6.51%) compared to PBQQ (2.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PBQQ dropped -12.92% vs EINC's -87.55%.

Which ETF is better, PBQQ or EINC?

On 1-year performance, EINC leads with 29.82% vs 19.15% for PBQQ. On fees, EINC is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, PBQQ has been the lower-risk option at 2.24%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PBQQ or EINC?

Over the 1-year period, EINC has performed better with a 29.82% return vs 19.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PBQQ or EINC?

EINC is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for PBQQ.

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

EINC has the higher dividend yield at 3.51%, compared with 0.01% for PBQQ.

What is the main difference between PBQQ and EINC?

PBQQ is categorized as Defined Outcome, while EINC is Energy Equities. They also come from different issuers: PGIM and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for PBQQ and 0.45% for EINC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PBQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.64 vs 1.99), 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.