PSQO vs. PAAA

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

PSQO (Palmer Square Credit Opportunities ETF) and PAAA (PGIM AAA CLO ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PSQO is a Multisector Bonds fund actively managed by Palmer Square, while PAAA is a CLO fund actively managed by PGIM. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, PSQO returned 5.88% vs 5.26% for PAAA. At a 0.06 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. PSQO charges 0.52%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for PAAA.

Performance

PSQO vs. PAAA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Palmer Square Credit Opportunities ETF (PSQO) and PGIM AAA CLO ETF (PAAA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PSQO achieves a 1.80% return, which is significantly lower than PAAA's 2.03% return.

PSQO

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: 0.68%
• YTD: 1.80%
• 6M: 2.46%
• 1Y: 5.88%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PAAA

• 1D: -0.01%
• 1M: 0.40%
• YTD: 2.03%
• 6M: 2.45%
• 1Y: 5.26%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PSQO vs. PAAA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
PSQO Palmer Square Credit Opportunities ETF	1.80%	7.05%	1.96%
PAAA PGIM AAA CLO ETF	2.03%	5.37%	2.09%

Correlation

The correlation between PSQO and PAAA is 0.02, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.02
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 13, 2024	0.06

Return for Risk

PSQO vs. PAAA — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSQO

PSQO Risk / Return Rank: 96
PSQO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
PSQO Sortino Ratio Rank: 97
PSQO Omega Ratio Rank: 97
PSQO Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
PSQO Martin Ratio Rank: 96

PAAA

PAAA Risk / Return Rank: 99
PAAA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
PAAA Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
PAAA Omega Ratio Rank: 100
PAAA Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
PAAA Martin Ratio Rank: 99

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.

PSQO vs. PAAA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Palmer Square Credit Opportunities ETF (PSQO) and PGIM AAA CLO ETF (PAAA). 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.

	PSQO	PAAA	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	3.84	10.83	-6.99
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	6.67	21.80	-15.13
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.90	6.72	-4.83
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	8.81	30.32	-21.51
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	36.37	187.65	-151.27
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PSQO vs. PAAA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSQO Sharpe Ratio is 3.84, which is lower than the PAAA Sharpe Ratio of 10.83. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSQO and PAAA, 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

	PSQO	PAAA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.84	10.83	-6.99
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	3.19	6.78	-3.59

Drawdowns

PSQO vs. PAAA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSQO drawdown since its inception was -0.76%, smaller than the maximum PAAA drawdown of -1.04%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSQO and PAAA.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSQO	PAAA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-0.76%	-1.04%	+0.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-0.66%	-0.17%	-0.49%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.01%	+0.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.11%	-0.02%	-0.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.16%	0.03%	+0.13%

Volatility

PSQO vs. PAAA - Volatility Comparison

Palmer Square Credit Opportunities ETF (PSQO) has a higher volatility of 0.54% compared to PGIM AAA CLO ETF (PAAA) at 0.11%. This indicates that PSQO's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PAAA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PSQO	PAAA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.54%	0.11%	+0.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.26%	0.36%	+0.90%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.54%	0.49%	+1.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.00%	0.98%	+1.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.00%	0.98%	+1.02%

PSQO vs. PAAA - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSQO has a 0.52% expense ratio, which is higher than PAAA's 0.19% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSQO vs. PAAA - Dividend Comparison

PSQO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.12%, less than PAAA's 4.88% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
PAAA PGIM AAA CLO ETF	4.88%	5.12%	5.88%	2.76%
PSQO Palmer Square Credit Opportunities ETF	4.12%	4.45%	1.40%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSQO and PAAA in my portfolio?

PSQO and PAAA have a correlation of 0.02, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PSQO or PAAA?

PSQO has higher volatility (0.54%) compared to PAAA (0.11%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSQO dropped -0.76% vs PAAA's -1.04%.

Which ETF is better, PSQO or PAAA?

On 1-year performance, PSQO leads with 5.88% vs 5.26% for PAAA. On fees, PAAA is cheaper at 0.19% per year. On volatility, PAAA has been the lower-risk option at 0.11%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PSQO or PAAA?

Over the 1-year period, PSQO has performed better with a 5.88% return vs 5.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PSQO or PAAA?

PAAA is cheaper with a 0.19% expense ratio, compared with 0.52% for PSQO.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PSQO or PAAA?

PAAA has the higher dividend yield at 4.88%, compared with 4.12% for PSQO.

What is the main difference between PSQO and PAAA?

PSQO is categorized as Multisector Bonds, while PAAA is CLO. They also come from different issuers: Palmer Square and PGIM. Their fees differ too: 0.52% for PSQO and 0.19% for PAAA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PAAA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (10.83 vs 3.84), 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.