PGJ vs. PPA

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

PGJ (Invesco Golden Dragon China ETF) and PPA (Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PGJ is a China Equities fund tracking the Halter USX China Index, while PPA is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the SPADE Defense Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PGJ returned -0.29%/yr vs 18.02%/yr for PPA. At a 0.49 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. PGJ charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for PPA.

Performance

PGJ vs. PPA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco Golden Dragon China ETF (PGJ) and Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (PPA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PGJ achieves a -23.70% return, which is significantly lower than PPA's 9.73% return. Over the past 10 years, PGJ has underperformed PPA with an annualized return of -0.29%, while PPA has yielded a comparatively higher 18.02% annualized return.

PGJ

• 1D: -2.80%
• 1M: -12.94%
• YTD: -23.70%
• 6M: -24.84%
• 1Y: -21.34%
• 3Y*: -2.41%
• 5Y*: -16.10%
• 10Y*: -0.29%

PPA

• 1D: 0.37%
• 1M: -1.27%
• YTD: 9.73%
• 6M: 7.35%
• 1Y: 26.01%
• 3Y*: 28.70%
• 5Y*: 18.28%
• 10Y*: 18.02%

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

PGJ vs. PPA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PGJ Invesco Golden Dragon China ETF	-23.70%	13.66%	5.91%	-2.38%	-24.50%	-42.87%	54.24%	32.18%	-29.51%	60.27%
PPA Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF	9.73%	37.15%	25.28%	18.41%	9.52%	7.09%	0.45%	39.63%	-7.51%	30.10%

Correlation

The correlation between PGJ and PPA is 0.29, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.29
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.26
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.30
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.33
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 26, 2005	0.49

The correlation between PGJ and PPA shifts across timeframes, from 0.26 (3 years) to 0.49 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

PGJ vs. PPA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PGJ	PPA
Consumer Cyclical	44.4%	-
Communication Services	26.3%	0.1%
Technology	11.4%	9.2%
Consumer Defensive	7.6%	-
Financial Services	3.9%	0.1%
Real Estate	3.1%	-
Industrials	2.6%	90.6%
Energy	2.1%	-
Healthcare	0.7%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

PGJ vs. PPA — Risk / Return Rank

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

PGJ

PGJ Risk / Return Rank: 3
PGJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
PGJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
PGJ Omega Ratio Rank: 3
PGJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
PGJ Martin Ratio Rank: 2

PPA

PPA Risk / Return Rank: 41
PPA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
PPA Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
PPA Omega Ratio Rank: 38
PPA Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
PPA Martin Ratio Rank: 38

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.

PGJ vs. PPA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco Golden Dragon China ETF (PGJ) and Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (PPA). 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.

	PGJ	PPA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.88	1.30	-2.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.20	1.96	-3.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.87	1.23	-0.36
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.61	1.91	-2.52
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.41	5.24	-6.65

PGJ vs. PPA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PGJ Sharpe Ratio is -0.88, which is lower than the PPA Sharpe Ratio of 1.30. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PGJ and PPA, 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

PGJ vs. PPA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PGJ drawdown since its inception was -78.37%, which is greater than PPA's maximum drawdown of -57.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PGJ and PPA.

Drawdown Indicators

	PGJ	PPA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-78.37%	-57.37%	-21.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-35.08%	-13.71%	-21.37%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-35.08%	-15.24%	-19.84%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-70.00%	-18.37%	-51.63%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-78.37%	-43.92%	-34.45%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-70.91%	-7.39%	-63.52%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-31.83%	-9.18%	-22.65%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	15.21%	4.97%	+10.24%

Volatility

PGJ vs. PPA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco Golden Dragon China ETF (PGJ) is 6.66%, while Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (PPA) has a volatility of 7.99%. This indicates that PGJ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PPA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PGJ	PPA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.66%	7.99%	-1.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.82%	16.83%	+0.99%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.38%	20.14%	+4.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	43.77%	18.70%	+25.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	36.71%	20.72%	+15.99%

PGJ vs. PPA - Expense Ratio Comparison

PGJ has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than PPA's 0.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

PGJ vs. PPA - Dividend Comparison

PGJ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.50%, more than PPA's 0.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PGJ Invesco Golden Dragon China ETF	3.50%	3.38%	4.70%	2.50%	0.84%	0.00%	0.30%	0.17%	0.31%	2.05%	1.94%	0.37%
PPA Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF	0.37%	0.42%	0.61%	0.67%	0.83%	0.59%	0.88%	0.95%	0.90%	0.67%	1.70%	1.41%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PGJ and PPA in my portfolio?

PGJ and PPA have a correlation of 0.29, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PGJ or PPA?

PPA has higher volatility (7.99%) compared to PGJ (6.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PGJ dropped -78.37% vs PPA's -57.37%.

Which ETF is better, PGJ or PPA?

On 10-year performance, PPA leads with 18.02% vs -0.29% for PGJ. On fees, PPA is cheaper at 0.58% per year. On volatility, PGJ has been the lower-risk option at 6.66%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PGJ or PPA?

Over the 10-year period, PPA has performed better with a 18.02% return vs -0.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PGJ or PPA?

PPA is cheaper with a 0.58% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for PGJ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PGJ or PPA?

PGJ has the higher dividend yield at 3.50%, compared with 0.37% for PPA.

What is the main difference between PGJ and PPA?

PGJ is categorized as China Equities, while PPA is Aerospace & Defense. PGJ tracks Halter USX China Index, while PPA tracks SPADE Defense Index. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for PGJ and 0.58% for PPA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PPA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.30 vs -0.88), 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.