PJFG vs. PBQQ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PJFG (PGIM Jennison Focused Growth ETF) and PBQQ (PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PJFG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by PGIM, while PBQQ is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by PGIM. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, PJFG returned 13.11% vs 19.15% for PBQQ. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PJFG charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for PBQQ.

Performance

PJFG vs. PBQQ - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PJFG achieves a 1.35% return, which is significantly lower than PBQQ's 8.21% return.

PJFG

• 1D: -1.43%
• 1M: -3.20%
• YTD: 1.35%
• 6M: 0.28%
• 1Y: 13.11%
• 3Y*: 21.06%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PBQQ

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

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

PJFG vs. PBQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PJFG PGIM Jennison Focused Growth ETF	1.35%	16.94%
PBQQ PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF	8.21%	15.44%

Correlation

The correlation between PJFG and PBQQ is 0.92, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2025	0.93

The correlation between PJFG and PBQQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PJFG vs. PBQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

PJFG

PJFG Risk / Return Rank: 20
PJFG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
PJFG Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
PJFG Omega Ratio Rank: 21
PJFG Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
PJFG Martin Ratio Rank: 20

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

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.

PJFG vs. PBQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM Jennison Focused Growth ETF (PJFG) and PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF (PBQQ). 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.

	PJFG	PBQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.74	2.64	-1.90
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.11	3.85	-2.74
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.52	-0.38
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.69	4.08	-3.39
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.13	19.12	-16.98

PJFG vs. PBQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PJFG Sharpe Ratio is 0.74, which is lower than the PBQQ Sharpe Ratio of 2.64. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PJFG and PBQQ, 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

PJFG vs. PBQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PJFG drawdown since its inception was -24.24%, which is greater than PBQQ's maximum drawdown of -12.92%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PJFG and PBQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	PJFG	PBQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.24%	-12.92%	-11.32%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.00%	-4.71%	-14.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.24%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.01%	-1.02%	-5.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.79%	-1.24%	-2.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.16%	1.00%	+5.16%

Volatility

PJFG vs. PBQQ - Volatility Comparison

PGIM Jennison Focused Growth ETF (PJFG) has a higher volatility of 6.89% compared to PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF (PBQQ) at 2.24%. This indicates that PJFG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PBQQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PJFG	PBQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.89%	2.24%	+4.65%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.96%	5.77%	+8.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.77%	7.32%	+10.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.98%	11.79%	+9.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.98%	11.79%	+9.19%

PJFG vs. PBQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

PJFG has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than PBQQ's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

PJFG vs. PBQQ - Dividend Comparison

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

Position	TTM	2025
PBQQ PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF	0.01%	0.01%
PJFG PGIM Jennison Focused Growth ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PJFG and PBQQ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, PJFG and PBQQ 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, PJFG or PBQQ?

PJFG has higher volatility (6.89%) compared to PBQQ (2.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PJFG dropped -24.24% vs PBQQ's -12.92%.

Which ETF is better, PJFG or PBQQ?

On 1-year performance, PBQQ leads with 19.15% vs 13.11% for PJFG. On fees, PBQQ is cheaper at 0.50% 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, PJFG or PBQQ?

Over the 1-year period, PBQQ has performed better with a 19.15% return vs 13.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PJFG or PBQQ?

PBQQ is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for PJFG.

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

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

What is the main difference between PJFG and PBQQ?

PJFG is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while PBQQ is Defined Outcome. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for PJFG and 0.50% for PBQQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PBQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.64 vs 0.74), 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.