QEW vs. PBQQ

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

QEW (Invesco QQQ Equal Weight ETF) and PBQQ (PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QEW is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the Nasdaq-100 Equal Weighted Index, while PBQQ is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by PGIM. QEW is passively managed, while PBQQ is actively managed. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. QEW charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for PBQQ.

Performance

QEW vs. PBQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco QQQ Equal Weight ETF (QEW) and PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF (PBQQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

QEW

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: 10.55%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PBQQ

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: 2.58%
• YTD: 9.10%
• 6M: 9.79%
• 1Y: 20.98%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QEW vs. PBQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
QEW Invesco QQQ Equal Weight ETF	21.49%
PBQQ PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF	9.58%

Correlation

The correlation between QEW and PBQQ is 0.81, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 19, 2026	0.81

Return for Risk

QEW vs. PBQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

PBQQ

PBQQ Risk / Return Rank: 89
PBQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
PBQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
PBQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 91
PBQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
PBQQ Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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.

QEW vs. PBQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco QQQ Equal Weight ETF (QEW) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	QEW	PBQQ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.94	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	9.75	1.50	+8.24

Drawdowns

QEW vs. PBQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QEW drawdown since its inception was -4.15%, smaller than the maximum PBQQ drawdown of -12.92%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QEW and PBQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	QEW	PBQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.15%	-12.92%	+8.77%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-4.71%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.11%	-0.21%	+0.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.57%	-1.26%	+0.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.98%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	QEW	PBQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.07%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	5.51%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.78%	7.18%	+8.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.78%	11.88%	+3.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.78%	11.88%	+3.90%

QEW vs. PBQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

QEW has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than PBQQ's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

QEW vs. PBQQ - Dividend Comparison

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

Position	TTM	2025
PBQQ PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF	0.01%	0.01%
QEW Invesco QQQ Equal Weight ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QEW and PBQQ in my portfolio?

QEW and PBQQ have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, QEW or PBQQ?

On fees, QEW is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, QEW or PBQQ?

QEW is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for PBQQ.

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

PBQQ has the higher dividend yield at 0.01%, compared with 0.00% for QEW.

What is the main difference between QEW and PBQQ?

QEW is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while PBQQ is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and PGIM. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for QEW and 0.50% for PBQQ.