PQJL vs. PJFG

Last updated Jul 16, 2026

PQJL (PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - July) and PJFG (PGIM Jennison Focused Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PQJL is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by PGIM, while PJFG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by PGIM. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, PQJL returned 13.63% vs 13.06% for PJFG. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PQJL charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for PJFG.

Performance

PQJL vs. PJFG - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with PQJL having a 6.01% return and PJFG slightly higher at 6.15%.

PQJL

• 1D: -0.27%
• 1M: -1.19%
• 6M: 5.52%
• YTD: 6.01%
• 1Y: 13.63%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PJFG

• 1D: 0.74%
• 1M: 0.78%
• 6M: 7.30%
• YTD: 6.15%
• 1Y: 13.06%
• 3Y*: 21.31%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PQJL vs. PJFG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PQJL PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - July	6.01%	16.11%
PJFG PGIM Jennison Focused Growth ETF	6.15%	16.94%

Correlation

The correlation between PQJL and PJFG is 0.84, 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	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2025	0.88

The correlation between PQJL and PJFG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PQJL vs. PJFG — Risk / Return Rank

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

PQJL

PQJL Risk / Return Rank: 65
PQJL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
PQJL Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
PQJL Omega Ratio Rank: 67
PQJL Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
PQJL Martin Ratio Rank: 77

PJFG

PJFG Risk / Return Rank: 22
PJFG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
PJFG Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
PJFG Omega Ratio Rank: 23
PJFG Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
PJFG Martin Ratio Rank: 21

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.

PQJL vs. PJFG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	PQJL	PJFG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.65	0.73	+0.92
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.34	1.10	+1.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.14	+0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.35	0.69	+1.66
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.68	2.08	+9.59

PQJL vs. PJFG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PQJL Sharpe Ratio is 1.65, which is higher than the PJFG Sharpe Ratio of 0.73. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PQJL and PJFG, 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

PQJL vs. PJFG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PQJL drawdown since its inception was -12.32%, smaller than the maximum PJFG drawdown of -24.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PQJL and PJFG.

Drawdown Indicators

	PQJL	PJFG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.32%	-24.24%	+11.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.83%	-19.00%	+13.17%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-24.24%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.44%	-2.61%	+1.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.25%	-3.80%	+2.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.17%	6.28%	-5.11%

Volatility

PQJL vs. PJFG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - July (PQJL) is 3.00%, while PGIM Jennison Focused Growth ETF (PJFG) has a volatility of 6.08%. This indicates that PQJL experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PJFG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PQJL	PJFG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.00%	6.08%	-3.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.66%	14.40%	-7.74%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.31%	17.92%	-9.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.69%	20.92%	-9.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.69%	20.92%	-9.23%

PQJL vs. PJFG - Expense Ratio Comparison

PQJL has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than PJFG's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

PQJL vs. PJFG - Dividend Comparison

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

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PQJL and PJFG in my portfolio?

PQJL and PJFG have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PQJL or PJFG?

PJFG has higher volatility (6.08%) compared to PQJL (3.00%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PQJL dropped -12.32% vs PJFG's -24.24%.

Which ETF is better, PQJL or PJFG?

On 1-year performance, PQJL leads with 13.63% vs 13.06% for PJFG. On fees, PQJL is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, PQJL has been the lower-risk option at 3.00%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PQJL or PJFG?

Over the 1-year period, PQJL has performed better with a 13.63% return vs 13.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PQJL or PJFG?

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

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

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

What is the main difference between PQJL and PJFG?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PQJL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.65 vs 0.73), 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.