QSPT vs. PBQQ

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

QSPT (FT Cboe Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF – September) and PBQQ (PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QSPT is a Nasdaq-100 fund actively managed by FT Vest, while PBQQ is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by PGIM. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, QSPT returned 17.33% vs 17.92% for PBQQ. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. QSPT charges 0.90%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for PBQQ.

Performance

QSPT vs. PBQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Cboe Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF – September (QSPT) and PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF (PBQQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with QSPT having a 8.24% return and PBQQ slightly lower at 8.11%.

QSPT

• 1D: -0.35%
• 1M: -0.35%
• YTD: 8.24%
• 6M: 7.49%
• 1Y: 17.33%
• 3Y*: 17.57%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PBQQ

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: -0.32%
• YTD: 8.11%
• 6M: 7.78%
• 1Y: 17.92%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QSPT vs. PBQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
QSPT FT Cboe Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF – September	8.24%	14.58%
PBQQ PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF	8.11%	15.44%

Correlation

The correlation between QSPT and PBQQ is 0.94, 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	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2025	0.95

The correlation between QSPT and PBQQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

QSPT vs. PBQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

QSPT

QSPT Risk / Return Rank: 62
QSPT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
QSPT Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
QSPT Omega Ratio Rank: 65
QSPT Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
QSPT Martin Ratio Rank: 66

PBQQ

PBQQ Risk / Return Rank: 88
PBQQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
PBQQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
PBQQ Omega Ratio Rank: 89
PBQQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
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.

QSPT vs. PBQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Cboe Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF – September (QSPT) 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.

	QSPT	PBQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.79	2.49	-0.69
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.51	3.63	-1.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.49	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.41	3.82	-1.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.65	17.84	-7.20

QSPT vs. PBQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QSPT Sharpe Ratio is 1.79, which is comparable to the PBQQ Sharpe Ratio of 2.49. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QSPT 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

QSPT vs. PBQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QSPT drawdown since its inception was -22.64%, which is greater than PBQQ's maximum drawdown of -12.92%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QSPT and PBQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	QSPT	PBQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.64%	-12.92%	-9.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.23%	-4.71%	-2.52%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.38%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.55%	-1.11%	-0.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.56%	-1.24%	-3.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.63%	1.01%	+0.62%

Volatility

QSPT vs. PBQQ - Volatility Comparison

FT Cboe Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF – September (QSPT) has a higher volatility of 3.01% compared to PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF (PBQQ) at 2.24%. This indicates that QSPT'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

	QSPT	PBQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.01%	2.24%	+0.77%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.81%	5.76%	+2.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.74%	7.29%	+2.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.11%	11.77%	+3.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.11%	11.77%	+3.34%

QSPT vs. PBQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

QSPT has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is higher than PBQQ's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

QSPT vs. PBQQ - Dividend Comparison

QSPT 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%
QSPT FT Cboe Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF – September	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QSPT and PBQQ in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, QSPT 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, QSPT or PBQQ?

QSPT has higher volatility (3.01%) compared to PBQQ (2.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QSPT dropped -22.64% vs PBQQ's -12.92%.

Which ETF is better, QSPT or PBQQ?

On 1-year performance, PBQQ leads with 17.92% vs 17.33% for QSPT. On fees, PBQQ is cheaper at 0.50% 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, QSPT or PBQQ?

Over the 1-year period, PBQQ has performed better with a 17.92% return vs 17.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QSPT or PBQQ?

PBQQ is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for QSPT.

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

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

What is the main difference between QSPT and PBQQ?

QSPT is categorized as Nasdaq-100, while PBQQ is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: FT Vest and PGIM. Their fees differ too: 0.90% for QSPT and 0.50% for PBQQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PBQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.49 vs 1.79), 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.