BUFM vs. PMSE
BUFM (AB Moderate Buffer ETF) and PMSE (PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - September) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.80 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BUFM charges 0.69%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for PMSE.
Performance
BUFM vs. PMSE - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with BUFM having a 2.85% return and PMSE slightly lower at 2.81%.
BUFM
- 1D
- -0.62%
- 1M
- -0.32%
- YTD
- 2.85%
- 6M
- 2.08%
- 1Y
- 10.84%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
PMSE
- 1D
- -0.15%
- 1M
- 0.19%
- YTD
- 2.81%
- 6M
- 2.84%
- 1Y
- —
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
BUFM vs. PMSE - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
BUFM AB Moderate Buffer ETF | 2.85% | 3.99% |
PMSE PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - September | 2.81% | 2.13% |
Correlation
The correlation between BUFM and PMSE is 0.80, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 2, 2025 | 0.80 |
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Return for Risk
BUFM vs. PMSE — Risk / Return Rank
BUFM
PMSE
Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.
BUFM vs. PMSE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AB Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFM) and PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - September (PMSE). 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.
| BUFM | PMSE | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | — | — | |
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | — | — | |
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.34 | — | — |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.67 | — | — |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 9.73 | — | — |
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Drawdowns
BUFM vs. PMSE - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum BUFM drawdown since its inception was -9.43%, which is greater than PMSE's maximum drawdown of -1.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUFM and PMSE.
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Drawdown Indicators
| BUFM | PMSE | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -9.43% | -1.44% | -7.99% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -4.07% | — | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.11% | -0.15% | -0.96% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -0.98% | -0.17% | -0.81% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 1.12% | — | — |
Volatility
BUFM vs. PMSE - Volatility Comparison
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Volatility by Period
| BUFM | PMSE | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 2.20% | — | — |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 4.64% | — | — |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 6.06% | 2.28% | +3.78% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 9.41% | 2.28% | +7.13% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 9.41% | 2.28% | +7.13% |
BUFM vs. PMSE - Expense Ratio Comparison
BUFM has a 0.69% expense ratio, which is higher than PMSE's 0.50% expense ratio.
Dividends
BUFM vs. PMSE - Dividend Comparison
Neither BUFM nor PMSE has paid dividends to shareholders.
Frequently Asked Questions
BUFM and PMSE have a correlation of 0.80, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
On fees, PMSE is cheaper at 0.50% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
PMSE is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BUFM.
BUFM and PMSE have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.
They also come from different issuers: AllianceBernstein and PGIM. Their fees differ too: 0.69% for BUFM and 0.50% for PMSE.
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