SIXZ vs. PBQQ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SIXZ (AllianzIM U.S. Equity 6 Month Buffer10 May/Nov ETF) and PBQQ (PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, SIXZ returned 11.36% vs 19.15% for PBQQ. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SIXZ charges 0.74%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for PBQQ.

Performance

SIXZ vs. PBQQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AllianzIM U.S. Equity 6 Month Buffer10 May/Nov ETF (SIXZ) 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, SIXZ achieves a 5.65% return, which is significantly lower than PBQQ's 8.21% return.

SIXZ

• 1D: -0.44%
• 1M: -0.06%
• YTD: 5.65%
• 6M: 5.24%
• 1Y: 11.36%
• 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)

SIXZ vs. PBQQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SIXZ AllianzIM U.S. Equity 6 Month Buffer10 May/Nov ETF	5.65%	7.24%
PBQQ PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF	8.21%	15.44%

Correlation

The correlation between SIXZ and PBQQ is 0.86, 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	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2025	0.88

The correlation between SIXZ and PBQQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SIXZ vs. PBQQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

SIXZ

SIXZ Risk / Return Rank: 64
SIXZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
SIXZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
SIXZ Omega Ratio Rank: 69
SIXZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
SIXZ Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

SIXZ vs. PBQQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AllianzIM U.S. Equity 6 Month Buffer10 May/Nov ETF (SIXZ) 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.

	SIXZ	PBQQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.83	2.64	-0.81
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.66	3.85	-1.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.52	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.56	4.08	-1.52
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.31	19.12	-7.81

SIXZ vs. PBQQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SIXZ Sharpe Ratio is 1.83, which is lower than the PBQQ Sharpe Ratio of 2.64. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SIXZ 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

SIXZ vs. PBQQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SIXZ drawdown since its inception was -10.27%, smaller than the maximum PBQQ drawdown of -12.92%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SIXZ and PBQQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	SIXZ	PBQQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.27%	-12.92%	+2.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.45%	-4.71%	+0.26%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.86%	-1.02%	+0.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.91%	-1.24%	+0.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.01%	1.00%	+0.01%

Volatility

SIXZ vs. PBQQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for AllianzIM U.S. Equity 6 Month Buffer10 May/Nov ETF (SIXZ) is 1.97%, while PGIM Laddered Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF (PBQQ) has a volatility of 2.24%. This indicates that SIXZ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PBQQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SIXZ	PBQQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.97%	2.24%	-0.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.33%	5.77%	-0.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.24%	7.32%	-1.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.80%	11.79%	-3.99%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.80%	11.79%	-3.99%

SIXZ vs. PBQQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

SIXZ has a 0.74% expense ratio, which is higher than PBQQ's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

SIXZ vs. PBQQ - Dividend Comparison

SIXZ 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%
SIXZ AllianzIM U.S. Equity 6 Month Buffer10 May/Nov ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SIXZ and PBQQ in my portfolio?

SIXZ and PBQQ have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SIXZ or PBQQ?

PBQQ has higher volatility (2.24%) compared to SIXZ (1.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SIXZ dropped -10.27% vs PBQQ's -12.92%.

Which ETF is better, SIXZ or PBQQ?

On 1-year performance, PBQQ leads with 19.15% vs 11.36% for SIXZ. On fees, PBQQ is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, SIXZ has been the lower-risk option at 1.97%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SIXZ or PBQQ?

Over the 1-year period, PBQQ has performed better with a 19.15% return vs 11.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SIXZ or PBQQ?

PBQQ is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.74% for SIXZ.

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

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

What is the main difference between SIXZ and PBQQ?

They also come from different issuers: Allianz and PGIM. Their fees differ too: 0.74% for SIXZ and 0.50% for PBQQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PBQQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.64 vs 1.83), 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.