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PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - January(PQJA)
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 PQJA
11/13/2026: PQJA (3-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.
PQJA is an actively managed ETF that provides exposure to the Nasdaq-100 Index with a pre-defined 12% downside buffer and a capped upside potential over a one-year outcome period. By utilizing a sophisticated options strategy, the fund protects investors against minor market declines while sacrificing excess performance during bull markets. It is an excellent tool for risk-conscious investors looking to maintain market participation while defining their maximum loss exposure. Key risks include the concentration of the underlying Nasdaq-100 index and the potential for losses exceeding the buffer. It is best suited for long-term investors who can commit to the full annual cycle.
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 | While it offers exposure to growth stocks, the upside cap limits total returns compared to a standard Nasdaq-100 ETF. |
| Momentum investor | Weak fit | The capped upside structure is poorly suited for momentum strategies that seek uninhibited asset price growth. |
| Value investor | Mixed fit | Value investors may appreciate the defensive 12% buffer, though the underlying exposure is to high-valuation tech stocks. |
| Dividend/Income investor | Weak fit | The fund does not aim to provide income through dividends and is focused on defined price outcome. |
| Low-risk investor | Strong fit | The 12% buffer makes this an attractive option for investors looking to participate in tech markets with a defined risk ceiling. |
Investor Profile
Ideal Investor Profile
The ideal investor is someone seeking exposure to technology-heavy growth markets but with an explicit desire to limit downside risk over a specific annual timeframe.
Suitability
Best suited for long-term investors willing to hold the ETF for the full one-year outcome period.
Risk Profile
| Risk factor | Level | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Volatility | Medium | The buffer structure inherently mitigates the impact of moderate market volatility. |
| Market risk | Medium / high | Investors remain exposed to the downside if the index declines more than the 12% buffer. |
| Concentration | High | The ETF is concentrated in the Nasdaq-100, which is heavily weighted toward a few large-cap technology companies. |
| Tracking/expense | Medium | The complexity of the options strategy can lead to tracking differences versus the index. |
| Liquidity | Medium | Lower average daily volume compared to broad ETFs may lead to wider spreads during high-volatility events. |
| Business/sector quality | Medium | The fund's success is tied specifically to the performance of the Nasdaq-100 components. |
Sector & Industry Intelligence
This fund is not assigned to one sector.
Risk Analysis
Volatility
PQJA aims to lower volatility by buffering against initial losses, though the underlying index remains inherently volatile.
Market Risk
The primary risk is the index performance outside the buffer/cap boundaries, and the concentration risk of the Nasdaq-100.
What the ETF Owns
| Exposure Type | Exposure | Weight (%) | Retail Investor Read |
|---|---|---|---|
| Derivatives | Nasdaq-100 Index Options (Long/Short positions) | 90 | These options contracts are the core mechanism that defines the fund's upside cap and 12% downside buffer. |
| Fixed-income type | US Treasury Bills | 10 | Cash and short-term treasuries provide collateral for the options strategy and mitigate counterparty risk. |
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 13.69% | Avg. Invested days 48 | Today’s Advisory PASS |
Upturn Advisory Rating  | Upturn Advisory Performance  3.0 | ETF Returns Performance  3.0 |
| Profits based on simulation | Last Close 11/13/2026 |
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