QBUF vs. PQAP

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

QBUF (Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly) and PQAP (PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - April) are both exchange-traded funds - QBUF is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the Invesco QQQ Trust, while PQAP is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by PGIM. QBUF is passively managed, while PQAP is actively managed. Over the past year, QBUF returned 11.93% vs 21.47% for PQAP. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QBUF charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for PQAP.

Performance

QBUF vs. PQAP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (QBUF) and PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - April (PQAP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QBUF achieves a 4.68% return, which is significantly lower than PQAP's 12.09% return.

QBUF

• 1D: -0.01%
• 1M: 0.84%
• YTD: 4.68%
• 6M: 4.57%
• 1Y: 11.93%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PQAP

• 1D: -0.12%
• 1M: 2.44%
• YTD: 12.09%
• 6M: 13.01%
• 1Y: 21.47%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QBUF vs. PQAP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
QBUF Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly	4.68%	10.95%
PQAP PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - April	12.09%	14.48%

Correlation

The correlation between QBUF and PQAP is 0.74, 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	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2025	0.77

The correlation between QBUF and PQAP has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.77 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

QBUF vs. PQAP — Risk / Return Rank

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

QBUF

QBUF Risk / Return Rank: 79
QBUF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
QBUF Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
QBUF Omega Ratio Rank: 80
QBUF Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
QBUF Martin Ratio Rank: 85

PQAP

PQAP Risk / Return Rank: 98
PQAP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
PQAP Sortino Ratio Rank: 98
PQAP Omega Ratio Rank: 98
PQAP Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
PQAP Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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.

QBUF vs. PQAP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (QBUF) and PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - April (PQAP). 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.

	QBUF	PQAP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.28	4.86	-2.58
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.20	8.47	-5.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	2.20	-0.72
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.19	15.50	-10.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.79	86.25	-68.46
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

QBUF vs. PQAP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QBUF Sharpe Ratio is 2.28, which is lower than the PQAP Sharpe Ratio of 4.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QBUF and PQAP, 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

	QBUF	PQAP	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.28	4.86	-2.58
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.36	1.76	-0.40

Drawdowns

QBUF vs. PQAP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QBUF drawdown since its inception was -8.84%, smaller than the maximum PQAP drawdown of -10.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QBUF and PQAP.

Drawdown Indicators

	QBUF	PQAP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.84%	-10.79%	+1.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.31%	-1.39%	-0.92%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.01%	-0.12%	+0.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.82%	-0.60%	-0.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.67%	0.25%	+0.42%

Volatility

QBUF vs. PQAP - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (QBUF) is 0.23%, while PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - April (PQAP) has a volatility of 1.02%. This indicates that QBUF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PQAP based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QBUF	PQAP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.23%	1.02%	-0.79%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.88%	3.09%	+0.79%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.25%	4.45%	+0.80%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.47%	11.03%	-2.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.47%	11.03%	-2.56%

QBUF vs. PQAP - Expense Ratio Comparison

QBUF has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than PQAP's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

QBUF vs. PQAP - Dividend Comparison

QBUF has not paid dividends to shareholders, while PQAP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.02%.

Position	TTM	2025
PQAP PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - April	0.02%	0.02%
QBUF Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QBUF and PQAP in my portfolio?

QBUF and PQAP have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QBUF or PQAP?

PQAP has higher volatility (1.02%) compared to QBUF (0.23%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QBUF dropped -8.84% vs PQAP's -10.79%.

Which ETF is better, QBUF or PQAP?

On 1-year performance, PQAP leads with 21.47% vs 11.93% for QBUF. On fees, PQAP is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, QBUF has been the lower-risk option at 0.23%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QBUF or PQAP?

Over the 1-year period, PQAP has performed better with a 21.47% return vs 11.93%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QBUF or PQAP?

PQAP is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for QBUF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, QBUF or PQAP?

PQAP has the higher dividend yield at 0.02%, compared with 0.00% for QBUF.

What is the main difference between QBUF and PQAP?

QBUF is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while PQAP is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Innovator and PGIM. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for QBUF and 0.50% for PQAP.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PQAP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.86 vs 2.28), 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.