QQWZ vs. PBQQ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

QQWZ (Pacer Cash COWZ 100-Nasdaq 100 Rotator ETF) and PBQQ (PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QQWZ is a Nasdaq-100 fund actively managed by Pacer, while PBQQ is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by PGIM. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, QQWZ returned 31.25% vs 19.15% for PBQQ. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QQWZ charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for PBQQ.

Performance

QQWZ vs. PBQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer Cash COWZ 100-Nasdaq 100 Rotator ETF (QQWZ) 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, QQWZ achieves a 14.35% return, which is significantly higher than PBQQ's 8.21% return.

QQWZ

• 1D: -3.00%
• 1M: -0.25%
• YTD: 14.35%
• 6M: 11.94%
• 1Y: 31.25%
• 3Y*: —
• 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)

QQWZ vs. PBQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
QQWZ Pacer Cash COWZ 100-Nasdaq 100 Rotator ETF	14.35%	26.23%
PBQQ PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF	8.21%	16.61%

Correlation

The correlation between QQWZ and PBQQ is 0.76, 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	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 7, 2025	0.79

The correlation between QQWZ and PBQQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.76 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

QQWZ vs. PBQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

QQWZ

QQWZ Risk / Return Rank: 70
QQWZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
QQWZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
QQWZ Omega Ratio Rank: 66
QQWZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
QQWZ Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

QQWZ vs. PBQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Cash COWZ 100-Nasdaq 100 Rotator ETF (QQWZ) 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.

	QQWZ	PBQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.01	2.64	-0.63
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.65	3.85	-1.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.52	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.02	4.08	-0.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.81	19.12	-5.30

QQWZ vs. PBQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QQWZ Sharpe Ratio is 2.01, which is comparable to the PBQQ Sharpe Ratio of 2.64. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QQWZ 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

QQWZ vs. PBQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QQWZ drawdown since its inception was -7.81%, smaller than the maximum PBQQ drawdown of -12.92%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QQWZ and PBQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	QQWZ	PBQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.81%	-12.92%	+5.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.81%	-4.71%	-3.10%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.07%	-1.02%	-3.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.44%	-1.24%	-0.20%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.27%	1.00%	+1.27%

Volatility

QQWZ vs. PBQQ - Volatility Comparison

Pacer Cash COWZ 100-Nasdaq 100 Rotator ETF (QQWZ) has a higher volatility of 8.52% compared to PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF (PBQQ) at 2.24%. This indicates that QQWZ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PBQQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QQWZ	PBQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.52%	2.24%	+6.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.51%	5.77%	+5.74%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.68%	7.32%	+8.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.83%	11.79%	+4.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.83%	11.79%	+4.04%

QQWZ vs. PBQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

QQWZ has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is lower than PBQQ's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

QQWZ vs. PBQQ - Dividend Comparison

QQWZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.57%, more than PBQQ's 0.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
PBQQ PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF	0.01%	0.01%
QQWZ Pacer Cash COWZ 100-Nasdaq 100 Rotator ETF	0.57%	0.11%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QQWZ and PBQQ in my portfolio?

QQWZ and PBQQ have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QQWZ or PBQQ?

QQWZ has higher volatility (8.52%) compared to PBQQ (2.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QQWZ dropped -7.81% vs PBQQ's -12.92%.

Which ETF is better, QQWZ or PBQQ?

On 1-year performance, QQWZ leads with 31.25% vs 19.15% for PBQQ. On fees, QQWZ is cheaper at 0.49% per year. On volatility, PBQQ has been the lower-risk option at 2.24%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QQWZ or PBQQ?

Over the 1-year period, QQWZ has performed better with a 31.25% return vs 19.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QQWZ or PBQQ?

QQWZ is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for PBQQ.

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

QQWZ has the higher dividend yield at 0.57%, compared with 0.01% for PBQQ.

What is the main difference between QQWZ and PBQQ?

QQWZ is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while PBQQ is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Pacer and PGIM. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for QQWZ and 0.50% for PBQQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PBQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.64 vs 2.01), 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.