Data as of .
DQJN vs PQJL: which one stands where?
As of Sep 21, 2026 DQJN can fall 2.6% before its buffer engages and PQJL 1.9%, and DQJN resets 13 days sooner.
These are two different products. PQJL is a floor fund, which caps how far a holder can fall. DQJN is a buffer fund, which absorbs the first part of a fall and leaves everything below it with the holder.
Where each one stands today
DQJN resets first, on Jun 17, 2027, 269 days from now; PQJL runs to Jun 30, 2027, 282 days. DQJN can still gain 18.3% before its cap, PQJL 20.8%. A fall from here reaches DQJN’s buffer after 2.6% and PQJL’s after 1.9%. Both track QQQ, so what separates them is where each is in its own period.
Every figure is ETFIQ’s own, from the issuer’s published outcome-period terms. A buffer ETF holds FLEX options on its reference index rather than shares, so there is no holdings overlap between two of them to report.
Performance, window by window
| Window | Total return | Gap to the reference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DQJN | PQJL | DQJN | PQJL | |
| 3 months | not published | 0.0% | not published | +2.5 pts |
| 6 months | not published | +9.7% | not published | −14.6 pts |
| 1 year | not published | +10.5% | not published | −11.2 pts |
| DQJN FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Dual Directional Buffer ETF - June Absorbs the first 10% of loss on QQQ and caps the gain at 21.4%, over a period ending Jun 17, 2027 | PQJL PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - July Absorbs the first 12% of loss on QQQ and caps the gain at 23.0%, over a period ending Jun 30, 2027 | |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | First Trust | PGIM |
| Reference index | QQQ | QQQ |
| Buffer | 10% | 12% |
| Outcome period | Jun 22, 2026 to Jun 17, 2027 | Jul 1, 2026 to Jun 30, 2027 |
| Days left | 269 | 282 |
| Starting cap | +21.4% | +23.0% |
| Can still gain | 18.3% | 20.8% |
| Fall before buffer | 2.6% | 1.9% |
| Protection left, index points | 10.0% of 10.0% | 12.0% of 12.0% |
| Index return this period | 0.0% | +0.6% |
| Fund return this period | +1.8% | +1.4% |
| State today | Buffer working | Open |
| Expense ratio | 0.90% | 0.50% |
| Net assets | $16m | $26m |
DQJN in plain words
From its price on Sep 21, 2026, the fund can gain about 18.3% more before it reaches its cap. The fund's price can fall 2.6% from here before the buffer starts absorbing losses, by the issuer's figure. In index terms, QQQ can fall 0.0% from today's level to the point where the buffer begins. Protection left, in index points: 10.0% of the 10.0% buffer still sits below today's QQQ level. 269 days remained on Sep 21, 2026. On Jun 17, 2027 the period ends and a new cap is set.
PQJL in plain words
From its price on Sep 21, 2026, the fund can gain about 20.8% more before it reaches its cap. The fund's price can fall 1.9% from here before the buffer starts absorbing losses, by the issuer's figure. In index terms, QQQ can fall 0.6% from today's level to the point where the buffer begins. Protection left, in index points: 12.0% of the 12.0% buffer still sits below today's QQQ level. 282 days remained on Sep 21, 2026. On Jun 30, 2027 the period ends and a new cap is set.
Questions people ask
- Which has more room to gain, DQJN or PQJL?
- From their prices on Sep 21, 2026, DQJN can gain about 18.3% before its cap and PQJL about 20.8%, so PQJL has more room left this period.
- Which resets first, DQJN or PQJL?
- DQJN ends its outcome period on Jun 17, 2027 and PQJL on Jun 30, 2027. A new cap is set the day after each.
- Which is cheaper, DQJN or PQJL?
- DQJN charges 0.90% a year and PQJL charges 0.50%, so PQJL is cheaper. Fees come from each fund's prospectus.
Other comparisons
Where these figures came from
ETFIQ links to the documents behind every figure. It is not affiliated with any issuer, and a link is not an endorsement.
Cite this page. ETFIQ, DQJN against PQJL, data as of Sep 21, 2026. https://etfiq.com/compare/buffer/dqjn-vs-pqjl Free to use with attribution; the underlying files are at Open data.