PBQQ vs. PQJA

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PBQQ (PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF) and PQJA (PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - January) are both Defined Outcome funds from PGIM. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, PBQQ returned 19.15% vs 20.07% for PQJA. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.50% expense ratio.

Performance

PBQQ vs. PQJA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF (PBQQ) and PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - January (PQJA). 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 higher than PQJA's 7.28% return.

PBQQ

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

PQJA

• 1D: -1.10%
• 1M: -0.49%
• YTD: 7.28%
• 6M: 7.53%
• 1Y: 20.07%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PBQQ vs. PQJA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PBQQ PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF	8.21%	15.44%
PQJA PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - January	7.28%	16.06%

Correlation

The correlation between PBQQ and PQJA is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2025	0.97

The correlation between PBQQ and PQJA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PBQQ vs. PQJA — 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

PQJA

PQJA Risk / Return Rank: 79
PQJA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
PQJA Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
PQJA Omega Ratio Rank: 85
PQJA Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
PQJA Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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. PQJA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF (PBQQ) and PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - January (PQJA). 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	PQJA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.64	2.36	+0.28
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.85	3.31	+0.54
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.52	1.46	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.08	2.98	+1.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.12	14.23	+4.89

PBQQ vs. PQJA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PBQQ Sharpe Ratio is 2.64, which is comparable to the PQJA Sharpe Ratio of 2.36. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PBQQ and PQJA, 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. PQJA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PBQQ drawdown since its inception was -12.92%, smaller than the maximum PQJA drawdown of -14.72%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PBQQ and PQJA.

Drawdown Indicators

	PBQQ	PQJA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.92%	-14.72%	+1.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.71%	-6.77%	+2.06%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.02%	-1.42%	+0.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.24%	-1.63%	+0.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.00%	1.41%	-0.41%

Volatility

PBQQ vs. PQJA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF (PBQQ) is 2.24%, while PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - January (PQJA) has a volatility of 3.03%. This indicates that PBQQ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PQJA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PBQQ	PQJA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.24%	3.03%	-0.79%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.77%	7.18%	-1.41%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.32%	8.58%	-1.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.79%	13.40%	-1.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.79%	13.40%	-1.61%

PBQQ vs. PQJA - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both PBQQ and PQJA have an expense ratio of 0.50%.

Dividends

PBQQ vs. PQJA - Dividend Comparison

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

Position	TTM	2025
PBQQ PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF	0.01%	0.01%
PQJA PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - January	0.00%	0.01%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PBQQ and PQJA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, PBQQ and PQJA 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 is riskier, PBQQ or PQJA?

PQJA has higher volatility (3.03%) compared to PBQQ (2.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PBQQ dropped -12.92% vs PQJA's -14.72%.

Which ETF is better, PBQQ or PQJA?

On 1-year performance, PQJA leads with 20.07% vs 19.15% for PBQQ. Both ETFs have the same 0.50% expense ratio. 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 PQJA?

Over the 1-year period, PQJA has performed better with a 20.07% 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 PQJA?

PBQQ and PQJA have the same expense ratio: 0.50% per year.

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

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PBQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.64 vs 2.36), 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.