PJFG vs. QUS

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PJFG (PGIM Jennison Focused Growth ETF) and QUS (SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. PJFG is actively managed, while QUS is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, PJFG returned 21.06%/yr vs 16.79%/yr for QUS. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PJFG charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for QUS.

Performance

PJFG vs. QUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM Jennison Focused Growth ETF (PJFG) and SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF (QUS). 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 QUS's 5.81% return.

PJFG

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

QUS

• 1D: -0.23%
• 1M: -1.12%
• YTD: 5.81%
• 6M: 5.18%
• 1Y: 16.61%
• 3Y*: 16.79%
• 5Y*: 10.77%
• 10Y*: 13.70%

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

PJFG vs. QUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
PJFG PGIM Jennison Focused Growth ETF	1.35%	16.94%	31.59%	54.23%	-7.56%
QUS SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF	5.81%	14.13%	18.99%	21.78%	-3.81%

Correlation

The correlation between PJFG and QUS is 0.64, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.64
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 14, 2022	0.72

The correlation between PJFG and QUS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.64 to 0.72 - a consistent structural relationship.

PJFG vs. QUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PJFG	QUS
Technology	50.6%	29.2%
Communication Services	18.7%	9.9%
Consumer Cyclical	11.5%	5.5%
Healthcare	6.4%	13.4%
Industrials	5.3%	8.2%
Financial Services	3.2%	14.0%
Consumer Defensive	2.8%	8.7%
Utilities	1.5%	3.4%
Basic Materials	-	2.2%
Energy	-	4.2%
Real Estate	-	1.3%

Return for Risk

PJFG vs. QUS — 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

QUS

QUS Risk / Return Rank: 57
QUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
QUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
QUS Omega Ratio Rank: 55
QUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
QUS Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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. QUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM Jennison Focused Growth ETF (PJFG) and SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF (QUS). 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	QUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.74	1.81	-1.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.11	2.58	-1.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.32	-0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.69	2.43	-1.74
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.13	10.76	-8.63

PJFG vs. QUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PJFG Sharpe Ratio is 0.74, which is lower than the QUS Sharpe Ratio of 1.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PJFG and QUS, 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. QUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PJFG drawdown since its inception was -24.24%, smaller than the maximum QUS drawdown of -33.78%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PJFG and QUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	PJFG	QUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.24%	-33.78%	+9.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.00%	-6.85%	-12.15%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.24%	-13.94%	-10.30%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-22.30%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.78%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.01%	-1.84%	-5.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.79%	-3.69%	-0.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.16%	1.55%	+4.61%

Volatility

PJFG vs. QUS - Volatility Comparison

PGIM Jennison Focused Growth ETF (PJFG) has a higher volatility of 6.89% compared to SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF (QUS) at 2.84%. This indicates that PJFG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than QUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PJFG	QUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.89%	2.84%	+4.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.96%	6.98%	+6.98%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.77%	9.24%	+8.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.98%	14.34%	+6.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.98%	16.43%	+4.55%

PJFG vs. QUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

PJFG has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than QUS's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

PJFG vs. QUS - Dividend Comparison

PJFG has not paid dividends to shareholders, while QUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.32%.

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%
QUS SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF	1.32%	1.38%	1.49%	1.57%	1.68%	1.27%	1.73%	1.81%	2.12%	1.86%	2.07%	1.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PJFG and QUS in my portfolio?

PJFG and QUS have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PJFG or QUS?

PJFG has higher volatility (6.89%) compared to QUS (2.84%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PJFG dropped -24.24% vs QUS's -33.78%.

Which ETF is better, PJFG or QUS?

On 3-year performance, PJFG leads with 21.06% vs 16.79% for QUS. On fees, QUS is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, QUS has been the lower-risk option at 2.84%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PJFG or QUS?

Over the 3-year period, PJFG has performed better with a 21.06% return vs 16.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PJFG or QUS?

QUS is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for PJFG.

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

QUS has the higher dividend yield at 1.32%, compared with 0.00% for PJFG.

What is the main difference between PJFG and QUS?

They also come from different issuers: PGIM and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for PJFG and 0.15% for QUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.81 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.