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PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - April(PQAP)
Advisory History & Simulated Performance *
*as per simulation (see disclosures)- ALL
- 1Y
- 1M
- 1W
- BUY Advisory
- SELL Advisory (Profit)
- SELL Advisory (Loss)
- Profit
- Loss
- PASS (Skip)
Stock price based on last close Advisory Performance History (Simulated)
Upturn Advisory & Investor View for PQAP
11/13/2026: PQAP (3-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.
PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF (PQAP) provides exposure to the Nasdaq-100 Index with a structured downside buffer of 12% and a performance cap over a one-year period. It achieves this using FLEX options, making it a defensive tool for investors who want to stay invested in technology stocks but seek limited protection from market declines. Its main strengths include the reputation of PGIM and the peace of mind offered by the buffer, though investors should note the return cap and potential liquidity costs. The fund is ideal for risk-aware investors looking to manage downside risk while maintaining equity exposure. Investors should monitor the fund's specific cap and buffer levels and hold it through the full one-year outcome cycle to realize the intended benefits.
How to Read the Upturn Advisory
The Upturn Star Rating and the current BUY, SELL, or PASS advisory are generated by Upturn’s AI advisory engine based on proprietary signal analysis, price behavior, advisory history, and historical signal performance.
ETF holdings, costs, diversification, valuation, risks, and market conditions provide supporting context about the fund.
Investor Fit
| Investor style | Fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth investor | Mixed fit | The upside cap limits the potential for outsized gains during strong market rallies. |
| Momentum investor | Weak fit | The cap on returns makes this unsuitable for capturing pure momentum upside. |
| Value investor | Mixed fit | The risk mitigation is valuable, but the underlying tech-heavy holdings may be expensive. |
| Dividend/Income investor | Weak fit | The fund does not focus on providing yield, as its primary goal is capital protection. |
| Low-risk investor | Strong fit | The 12% downside buffer provides a structured defense against market declines. |
Investor Profile
Ideal Investor Profile
The ideal investor is someone who is optimistic about the Nasdaq-100 long-term but wants to limit the damage from a market drawdown.
Suitability
Best suited for long-term investors holding for the duration of the one-year outcome period.
Risk Profile
| Risk factor | Level | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Volatility | Medium | The buffer limits impact, but underlying index volatility still drives the options pricing. |
| Market risk | Medium / high | The fund is heavily exposed to the price movements of the Nasdaq-100 Index. |
| Concentration | High | The strategy is strictly tied to the performance of the tech-heavy Nasdaq-100. |
| Tracking/expense | Medium | The cost of the options and management fees can create a drag relative to the benchmark. |
| Liquidity | Medium | FLEX options are less liquid than standard exchange-traded options, which can affect transaction costs. |
| Business/sector quality | Medium | Performance relies entirely on the tech sector's health within the Nasdaq-100. |
Sector & Industry Intelligence
This fund is not assigned to one sector.
Risk Analysis
Volatility
PQAP is engineered to reduce volatility compared to the Nasdaq-100, though it remains exposed to significant market moves.
Market Risk
The primary risk is the loss of principal beyond the 12% buffer if the underlying index declines significantly.
What the ETF Owns
| Exposure Type | Exposure | Weight (%) | Retail Investor Read |
|---|---|---|---|
| Derivatives | Nasdaq-100 Index FLEX Options | 95 | These options contracts provide the defined outcome structure, including the upside cap and the 12% downside buffer. |
| Cash/collateral | U.S. Treasury Bills / Cash | 5 | This portion ensures collateral requirements are met and provides a stable base for the fund's operations. |
Price Behavior
Strong Uptrend
The stock has maintained a strong upward price trend across the last three quarters.
Very Smooth
The stock has followed a highly orderly price path with minimal short-term disruption.
Analysis of Past Performance
Type ETF | Historic Profit 22.47% | Avg. Invested days 107 | Today’s Advisory PASS |
Upturn Advisory Rating  | Upturn Advisory Performance  4.0 | ETF Returns Performance  4.0 |
| Profits based on simulation | Last Close 11/13/2026 |
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