QNDX vs. PQAP

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

QNDX (SPDR Portfolio Nasdaq 100 ETF) and PQAP (PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - April) are both exchange-traded funds - QNDX is a Nasdaq-100 fund tracking the Nasdaq-100 Index, while PQAP is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by PGIM. QNDX is passively managed, while PQAP is actively managed. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. QNDX charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for PQAP.

Performance

QNDX vs. PQAP - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

QNDX

• 1D: 1.12%
• 1M: —
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PQAP

• 1D: 0.44%
• 1M: 0.66%
• 6M: 11.43%
• YTD: 11.88%
• 1Y: 18.22%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QNDX vs. PQAP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
QNDX SPDR Portfolio Nasdaq 100 ETF	0.74%
PQAP PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - April	1.09%

Correlation

The correlation between QNDX and PQAP is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 24, 2026	0.97

Return for Risk

QNDX vs. PQAP — Risk / Return Rank

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

QNDX

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

PQAP

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

QNDX vs. PQAP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR Portfolio Nasdaq 100 ETF (QNDX) 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.

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.

	QNDX	PQAP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	3.57	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	5.50	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.82	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	8.53	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	45.56	—

Drawdowns

QNDX vs. PQAP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QNDX drawdown since its inception was -3.65%, smaller than the maximum PQAP drawdown of -10.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QNDX and PQAP.

Drawdown Indicators

	QNDX	PQAP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.65%	-10.79%	+7.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-2.15%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.25%	-0.31%	-1.94%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.71%	-0.62%	-1.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.40%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	QNDX	PQAP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.29%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	4.26%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.98%	5.12%	+17.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.98%	10.89%	+12.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.98%	10.89%	+12.09%

QNDX vs. PQAP - Expense Ratio Comparison

QNDX has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than PQAP's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

QNDX vs. PQAP - Dividend Comparison

QNDX 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%
QNDX SPDR Portfolio Nasdaq 100 ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QNDX and PQAP in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, QNDX and PQAP 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 ETF is better, QNDX or PQAP?

On fees, QNDX is cheaper at 0.10% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, QNDX or PQAP?

QNDX is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for PQAP.

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

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

What is the main difference between QNDX and PQAP?

QNDX is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while PQAP is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: State Street and PGIM. Their fees differ too: 0.10% for QNDX and 0.50% for PQAP.