RSMR vs. PQJA

Last updated Jul 2, 2026

RSMR (FT Vest U.S. Equity Equal Weight Buffer ETF - March) and PQJA (PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - January) are both Defined Outcome funds. RSMR is passively managed, while PQJA is actively managed. Over the past year, RSMR returned 12.85% vs 19.19% for PQJA. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. RSMR charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for PQJA.

Performance

RSMR vs. PQJA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest U.S. Equity Equal Weight Buffer ETF - March (RSMR) and PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - January (PQJA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with RSMR having a 7.95% return and PQJA slightly higher at 8.22%.

RSMR

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 1.45%
• 6M: 7.95%
• YTD: 7.95%
• 1Y: 12.85%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PQJA

• 1D: -0.40%
• 1M: -0.55%
• 6M: 8.22%
• YTD: 8.22%
• 1Y: 19.19%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

RSMR vs. PQJA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
RSMR FT Vest U.S. Equity Equal Weight Buffer ETF - March	7.95%	8.19%
PQJA PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - January	8.22%	19.71%

Correlation

The correlation between RSMR and PQJA is 0.67, 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	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 24, 2025	0.69

The correlation between RSMR and PQJA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.67 to 0.69 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

RSMR vs. PQJA — Risk / Return Rank

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

RSMR

RSMR Risk / Return Rank: 78
RSMR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
RSMR Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
RSMR Omega Ratio Rank: 74
RSMR Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
RSMR Martin Ratio Rank: 86

PQJA

PQJA Risk / Return Rank: 80
PQJA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
PQJA Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
PQJA Omega Ratio Rank: 86
PQJA Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
PQJA Martin Ratio Rank: 81

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.

RSMR vs. PQJA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest U.S. Equity Equal Weight Buffer ETF - March (RSMR) and PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - January (PQJA). 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.

	RSMR	PQJA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.95	2.26	-0.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.89	3.18	-0.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.44	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.83	2.85	+0.98
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.37	13.52	+1.85

RSMR vs. PQJA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RSMR Sharpe Ratio is 1.95, which is comparable to the PQJA Sharpe Ratio of 2.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RSMR and PQJA, 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

RSMR vs. PQJA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RSMR drawdown since its inception was -9.09%, smaller than the maximum PQJA drawdown of -14.72%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RSMR and PQJA.

Drawdown Indicators

	RSMR	PQJA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.09%	-14.72%	+5.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.37%	-6.77%	+3.40%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.56%	+0.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.80%	-1.61%	+0.81%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.84%	1.42%	-0.58%

Volatility

RSMR vs. PQJA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for FT Vest U.S. Equity Equal Weight Buffer ETF - March (RSMR) is 1.78%, while PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - January (PQJA) has a volatility of 3.15%. This indicates that RSMR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PQJA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RSMR	PQJA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.78%	3.15%	-1.37%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.72%	7.24%	-2.52%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.64%	8.55%	-1.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.39%	13.32%	-2.93%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.39%	13.32%	-2.93%

RSMR vs. PQJA - Expense Ratio Comparison

RSMR has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than PQJA's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

RSMR vs. PQJA - Dividend Comparison

Neither RSMR nor PQJA has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RSMR and PQJA in my portfolio?

RSMR and PQJA have a correlation of 0.67, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RSMR or PQJA?

PQJA has higher volatility (3.15%) compared to RSMR (1.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RSMR dropped -9.09% vs PQJA's -14.72%.

Which ETF is better, RSMR or PQJA?

On 1-year performance, PQJA leads with 19.19% vs 12.85% for RSMR. On fees, PQJA is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, RSMR has been the lower-risk option at 1.78%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RSMR or PQJA?

Over the 1-year period, PQJA has performed better with a 19.19% return vs 12.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RSMR or PQJA?

PQJA is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for RSMR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RSMR or PQJA?

RSMR and PQJA have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between RSMR and PQJA?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and PGIM. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for RSMR and 0.50% for PQJA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PQJA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.26 vs 1.95), 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.