PJFG vs. SPYG

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PJFG (PGIM Jennison Focused Growth ETF) and SPYG (State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PJFG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by PGIM, while SPYG is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Growth Index. PJFG is actively managed, while SPYG is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, PJFG returned 21.06%/yr vs 25.48%/yr for SPYG. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PJFG charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for SPYG.

Performance

PJFG vs. SPYG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM Jennison Focused Growth ETF (PJFG) and State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF (SPYG). 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 SPYG's 8.70% return.

PJFG

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

SPYG

• 1D: -2.40%
• 1M: -2.07%
• YTD: 8.70%
• 6M: 7.46%
• 1Y: 26.87%
• 3Y*: 25.48%
• 5Y*: 14.11%
• 10Y*: 18.05%

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

PJFG vs. SPYG - 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%
SPYG State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF	8.70%	22.09%	35.99%	30.02%	-6.19%

Correlation

The correlation between PJFG and SPYG 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 (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 14, 2022	0.95

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

PJFG vs. SPYG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PJFG	SPYG
Technology	50.6%	52.1%
Communication Services	18.7%	15.9%
Consumer Cyclical	11.5%	8.5%
Healthcare	6.4%	5.9%
Industrials	5.3%	5.4%
Financial Services	3.2%	9.0%
Consumer Defensive	2.8%	1.0%
Utilities	1.5%	1.2%
Basic Materials	-	0.3%
Energy	-	0.1%
Real Estate	-	0.6%

Return for Risk

PJFG vs. SPYG — 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

SPYG

SPYG Risk / Return Rank: 45
SPYG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
SPYG Sortino Ratio Rank: 44
SPYG Omega Ratio Rank: 44
SPYG Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
SPYG Martin Ratio Rank: 48

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. SPYG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM Jennison Focused Growth ETF (PJFG) and State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF (SPYG). 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	SPYG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.74	1.57	-0.82
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.11	2.17	-1.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.28	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.69	1.96	-1.27
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.13	7.79	-5.66

PJFG vs. SPYG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PJFG Sharpe Ratio is 0.74, which is lower than the SPYG Sharpe Ratio of 1.57. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PJFG and SPYG, 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. SPYG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PJFG drawdown since its inception was -24.24%, smaller than the maximum SPYG drawdown of -67.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PJFG and SPYG.

Drawdown Indicators

	PJFG	SPYG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-24.24%	-67.63%	+43.39%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.00%	-13.76%	-5.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.24%	-22.14%	-2.10%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-32.67%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-32.67%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.01%	-5.52%	-1.49%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.79%	-24.28%	+20.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.16%	3.46%	+2.70%

Volatility

PJFG vs. SPYG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for PGIM Jennison Focused Growth ETF (PJFG) is 6.89%, while State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF (SPYG) has a volatility of 7.26%. This indicates that PJFG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SPYG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PJFG	SPYG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.89%	7.26%	-0.37%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.96%	13.90%	+0.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.77%	17.26%	+0.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.98%	21.36%	-0.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.98%	20.73%	+0.25%

PJFG vs. SPYG - Expense Ratio Comparison

PJFG has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than SPYG's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

PJFG vs. SPYG - Dividend Comparison

PJFG has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SPYG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.50%.

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%
SPYG State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF	0.50%	0.52%	0.60%	1.15%	1.03%	0.62%	0.90%	1.37%	1.51%	1.41%	1.55%	1.57%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PJFG and SPYG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, PJFG and SPYG 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 SPYG?

SPYG has higher volatility (7.26%) compared to PJFG (6.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PJFG dropped -24.24% vs SPYG's -67.63%.

Which ETF is better, PJFG or SPYG?

On 3-year performance, SPYG leads with 25.48% vs 21.06% for PJFG. On fees, SPYG is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, PJFG has been the lower-risk option at 6.89%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PJFG or SPYG?

Over the 3-year period, SPYG has performed better with a 25.48% return vs 21.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PJFG or SPYG?

SPYG is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for PJFG.

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

SPYG has the higher dividend yield at 0.50%, compared with 0.00% for PJFG.

What is the main difference between PJFG and SPYG?

PJFG is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while SPYG is S&P 500. They also come from different issuers: PGIM and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for PJFG and 0.04% for SPYG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPYG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.57 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.