PJFG vs. QQQ

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

PJFG (PGIM Jennison Focused Growth ETF) and QQQ (Invesco QQQ ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PJFG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by PGIM, while QQQ is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index. PJFG is actively managed, while QQQ is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, PJFG returned 24.62%/yr vs 28.89%/yr for QQQ. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. PJFG charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.18%/yr for QQQ.

Performance

PJFG vs. QQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM Jennison Focused Growth ETF (PJFG) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PJFG achieves a 8.15% return, which is significantly lower than QQQ's 21.62% return.

PJFG

• 1D: -0.77%
• 1M: 8.02%
• YTD: 8.15%
• 6M: 7.10%
• 1Y: 22.17%
• 3Y*: 24.62%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QQQ

• 1D: 0.46%
• 1M: 10.68%
• YTD: 21.62%
• 6M: 20.27%
• 1Y: 43.30%
• 3Y*: 28.89%
• 5Y*: 18.43%
• 10Y*: 21.97%

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

PJFG vs. QQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
PJFG PGIM Jennison Focused Growth ETF	8.15%	16.94%	31.59%	54.23%	-6.69%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	21.62%	20.77%	25.58%	54.86%	-6.84%

Correlation

The correlation between PJFG and QQQ is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 15, 2022	0.95

The correlation between PJFG and QQQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

PJFG vs. QQQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PJFG	QQQ
Technology	48.4%	53.8%
Communication Services	20.2%	15.8%
Consumer Cyclical	12.6%	12.3%
Healthcare	6.0%	4.2%
Industrials	4.9%	2.8%
Financial Services	3.4%	0.2%
Consumer Defensive	3.0%	7.7%
Utilities	1.6%	1.4%
Basic Materials	-	1.1%
Energy	-	0.6%
Real Estate	-	0.1%

Return for Risk

PJFG vs. QQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

PJFG

PJFG Risk / Return Rank: 32
PJFG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
PJFG Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
PJFG Omega Ratio Rank: 35
PJFG Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
PJFG Martin Ratio Rank: 27

QQQ

QQQ Risk / Return Rank: 77
QQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
QQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
QQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 77
QQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
QQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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. QQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM Jennison Focused Growth ETF (PJFG) and Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ). 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.

	PJFG	QQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.33	2.73	-1.40
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.86	3.55	-1.69
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.47	-0.23
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.22	3.71	-2.49
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	3.84	14.30	-10.46
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PJFG vs. QQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PJFG Sharpe Ratio is 1.33, which is lower than the QQQ Sharpe Ratio of 2.73. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PJFG and QQQ, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	PJFG	QQQ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.33	2.73	-1.40
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.83	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.99	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.39	0.41	+0.97

Drawdowns

PJFG vs. QQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PJFG drawdown since its inception was -24.24%, smaller than the maximum QQQ drawdown of -82.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PJFG and QQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	PJFG	QQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.24%	-82.97%	+58.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.00%	-11.96%	-7.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.24%	-22.77%	-1.47%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.12%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.12%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.77%	0.00%	-0.77%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.75%	-32.79%	+29.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.04%	3.11%	+2.93%

Volatility

PJFG vs. QQQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for PGIM Jennison Focused Growth ETF (PJFG) is 4.01%, while Invesco QQQ ETF (QQQ) has a volatility of 4.48%. This indicates that PJFG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than QQQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PJFG	QQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.01%	4.48%	-0.47%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.82%	12.11%	+0.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.78%	15.95%	+0.83%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.87%	22.39%	-1.52%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.87%	22.30%	-1.43%

PJFG vs. QQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

PJFG has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than QQQ's 0.18% expense ratio.

Dividends

PJFG vs. QQQ - Dividend Comparison

PJFG has not paid dividends to shareholders, while QQQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.38%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PJFG PGIM Jennison Focused Growth ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QQQ Invesco QQQ ETF	0.38%	0.45%	0.56%	0.62%	0.80%	0.43%	0.55%	0.74%	0.91%	0.84%	1.06%	0.99%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PJFG and QQQ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, PJFG and QQQ 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 QQQ?

QQQ has higher volatility (4.48%) compared to PJFG (4.01%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PJFG dropped -24.24% vs QQQ's -82.97%.

Which ETF is better, PJFG or QQQ?

On 3-year performance, QQQ leads with 28.89% vs 24.62% for PJFG. On fees, QQQ is cheaper at 0.18% per year. On volatility, PJFG has been the lower-risk option at 4.01%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PJFG or QQQ?

Over the 3-year period, QQQ has performed better with a 28.89% return vs 24.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PJFG or QQQ?

QQQ is cheaper with a 0.18% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for PJFG.

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

QQQ has the higher dividend yield at 0.38%, compared with 0.00% for PJFG.

What is the main difference between PJFG and QQQ?

PJFG is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while QQQ is Nasdaq-100. They also come from different issuers: PGIM and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for PJFG and 0.18% for QQQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.73 vs 1.33), 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.