PULS vs QQQ
PULS vs QQQ
PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
PULS has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. PULS offers more diversification with 412 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PULS | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $18.2B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.28% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 683 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +2.40% | +18.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.45% | +27.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.41% | +25.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.26% | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.1% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 5, 2018 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PULS vs QQQ Performance
PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF (PULS) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PULS returned +4.45% while QQQ returned +27.63%. Year to date, PULS is up 2.40% versus a gain of 18.20% for QQQ.
Over three years, PULS compounded at +5.41% per year against +25.54% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +4.26% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.11% annualized vs +2.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 1.4% for PULS. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -6.1% for PULS and -83.0% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.31. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PULS charges 0.15% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $18 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PULS currently yields 5.28% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
PULS and QQQ share 1 holdings out of 514 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PULS | Weight in QQQ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFLX | 0.37% | 1.37% | 1.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PULS or QQQ?
PULS has an expense ratio of 0.15% while QQQ charges 0.18%. PULS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PULS or QQQ?
Over the past year PULS returned +4.45% vs +27.63% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), PULS annualized +2.54% vs +13.11% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PULS or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 1.4% for PULS. Worst drawdown: PULS -6.1% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PULS and QQQ?
PULS and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.31, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PULS and QQQ?
PULS and QQQ share 1 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 514 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PULS or QQQ?
PULS yields 5.28% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so PULS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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