QCLR vs. PBQQ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

QCLR (Global X NASDAQ 100 Collar 95-110 ETF) and PBQQ (PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QCLR is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the NASDAQ-100 Quarterly Collar 95-110 Index, while PBQQ is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by PGIM. QCLR is passively managed, while PBQQ is actively managed. Over the past year, QCLR returned 9.10% vs 19.15% for PBQQ. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. QCLR charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for PBQQ.

Performance

QCLR vs. PBQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X NASDAQ 100 Collar 95-110 ETF (QCLR) and PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF (PBQQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QCLR achieves a 0.21% return, which is significantly lower than PBQQ's 8.21% return.

QCLR

• 1D: -1.44%
• 1M: -0.86%
• YTD: 0.21%
• 6M: -0.60%
• 1Y: 9.10%
• 3Y*: 13.86%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PBQQ

• 1D: -0.75%
• 1M: -0.22%
• YTD: 8.21%
• 6M: 8.11%
• 1Y: 19.15%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QCLR vs. PBQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
QCLR Global X NASDAQ 100 Collar 95-110 ETF	0.21%	11.27%
PBQQ PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF	8.21%	15.44%

Correlation

The correlation between QCLR and PBQQ is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2025	0.89

The correlation between QCLR and PBQQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

QCLR vs. PBQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

QCLR

QCLR Risk / Return Rank: 25
QCLR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
QCLR Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
QCLR Omega Ratio Rank: 27
QCLR Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
QCLR Martin Ratio Rank: 25

PBQQ

PBQQ Risk / Return Rank: 88
PBQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
PBQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
PBQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 90
PBQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
PBQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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.

QCLR vs. PBQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X NASDAQ 100 Collar 95-110 ETF (QCLR) and PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF (PBQQ). 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.

	QCLR	PBQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.95	2.64	-1.69
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.30	3.85	-2.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.52	-0.34
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.89	4.08	-3.19
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.21	19.12	-15.91

QCLR vs. PBQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QCLR Sharpe Ratio is 0.95, which is lower than the PBQQ Sharpe Ratio of 2.64. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QCLR and PBQQ, 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

QCLR vs. PBQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QCLR drawdown since its inception was -21.77%, which is greater than PBQQ's maximum drawdown of -12.92%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QCLR and PBQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	QCLR	PBQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.77%	-12.92%	-8.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.22%	-4.71%	-5.51%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.58%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.05%	-1.02%	-1.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.14%	-1.24%	-4.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.84%	1.00%	+1.84%

Volatility

QCLR vs. PBQQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X NASDAQ 100 Collar 95-110 ETF (QCLR) is 1.58%, while PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF (PBQQ) has a volatility of 2.24%. This indicates that QCLR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PBQQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QCLR	PBQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.58%	2.24%	-0.66%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.59%	5.77%	+0.82%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.68%	7.32%	+2.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.38%	11.79%	+0.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.38%	11.79%	+0.59%

QCLR vs. PBQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

QCLR has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than PBQQ's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

QCLR vs. PBQQ - Dividend Comparison

QCLR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 14.86%, more than PBQQ's 0.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
PBQQ PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF	0.01%	0.01%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
QCLR Global X NASDAQ 100 Collar 95-110 ETF	14.86%	14.89%	8.89%	0.47%	0.27%	1.64%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QCLR and PBQQ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, QCLR and PBQQ 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, QCLR or PBQQ?

PBQQ has higher volatility (2.24%) compared to QCLR (1.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QCLR dropped -21.77% vs PBQQ's -12.92%.

Which ETF is better, QCLR or PBQQ?

On 1-year performance, PBQQ leads with 19.15% vs 9.10% for QCLR. On fees, PBQQ is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, QCLR has been the lower-risk option at 1.58%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QCLR or PBQQ?

Over the 1-year period, PBQQ has performed better with a 19.15% return vs 9.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QCLR or PBQQ?

PBQQ is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for QCLR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, QCLR or PBQQ?

QCLR has the higher dividend yield at 14.86%, compared with 0.01% for PBQQ.

What is the main difference between QCLR and PBQQ?

QCLR is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while PBQQ is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Global X and PGIM. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for QCLR and 0.50% for PBQQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PBQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.64 vs 0.95), 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.