DAUG vs. PBFR

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DAUG (FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - August) and PBFR (PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. DAUG is passively managed, while PBFR is actively managed. Over the past year, DAUG returned 13.72% vs 11.76% for PBFR. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DAUG charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for PBFR.

Performance

DAUG vs. PBFR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - August (DAUG) and PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF (PBFR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DAUG achieves a 4.97% return, which is significantly higher than PBFR's 4.21% return.

DAUG

• 1D: -0.33%
• 1M: 0.31%
• YTD: 4.97%
• 6M: 4.69%
• 1Y: 13.72%
• 3Y*: 11.85%
• 5Y*: 6.27%
• 10Y*: —

PBFR

• 1D: -0.23%
• 1M: 0.07%
• YTD: 4.21%
• 6M: 4.15%
• 1Y: 11.76%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

DAUG vs. PBFR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
DAUG FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - August	4.97%	11.75%	5.20%
PBFR PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF	4.21%	10.44%	5.53%

Correlation

The correlation between DAUG and PBFR is 0.89, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 13, 2024	0.87

The correlation between DAUG and PBFR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

DAUG vs. PBFR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DAUG	PBFR
Technology	39.0%	38.4%
Financial Services	11.1%	11.0%
Communication Services	10.6%	10.8%
Consumer Cyclical	9.9%	10.0%
Healthcare	8.3%	8.4%
Industrials	7.8%	7.9%
Consumer Defensive	4.5%	4.6%
Energy	3.1%	3.2%
Utilities	2.1%	2.1%
Real Estate	1.8%	1.8%
Basic Materials	1.7%	1.7%

Return for Risk

DAUG vs. PBFR — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

DAUG

DAUG Risk / Return Rank: 82
DAUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
DAUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
DAUG Omega Ratio Rank: 88
DAUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
DAUG Martin Ratio Rank: 85

PBFR

PBFR Risk / Return Rank: 89
PBFR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
PBFR Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
PBFR Omega Ratio Rank: 93
PBFR Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
PBFR Martin Ratio Rank: 92

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

DAUG vs. PBFR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - August (DAUG) and PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF (PBFR). 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.

	DAUG	PBFR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.48	2.73	-0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.62	3.95	-0.33
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.50	1.59	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.15	4.19	-1.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.62	21.70	-5.08

DAUG vs. PBFR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DAUG Sharpe Ratio is 2.48, which is comparable to the PBFR Sharpe Ratio of 2.73. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DAUG and PBFR, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

DAUG vs. PBFR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DAUG drawdown since its inception was -15.34%, which is greater than PBFR's maximum drawdown of -8.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DAUG and PBFR.

Drawdown Indicators

	DAUG	PBFR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.34%	-8.50%	-6.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.37%	-2.82%	-1.55%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.53%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.34%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.45%	-0.52%	+0.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.80%	-0.63%	-2.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.83%	0.54%	+0.29%

Volatility

DAUG vs. PBFR - Volatility Comparison

FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - August (DAUG) and PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF (PBFR) have volatilities of 1.36% and 1.30%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DAUG	PBFR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.36%	1.30%	+0.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.49%	3.51%	+0.98%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.60%	4.35%	+1.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.07%	6.85%	+1.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.25%	6.85%	+2.40%

DAUG vs. PBFR - Expense Ratio Comparison

DAUG has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than PBFR's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

DAUG vs. PBFR - Dividend Comparison

DAUG has not paid dividends to shareholders, while PBFR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.01%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
DAUG FT Vest U.S. Equity Deep Buffer ETF - August	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
PBFR PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DAUG and PBFR in my portfolio?

DAUG and PBFR have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DAUG or PBFR?

DAUG has higher volatility (1.36%) compared to PBFR (1.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DAUG dropped -15.34% vs PBFR's -8.50%.

Which ETF is better, DAUG or PBFR?

On 1-year performance, DAUG leads with 13.72% vs 11.76% for PBFR. On fees, PBFR is cheaper at 0.50% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DAUG or PBFR?

Over the 1-year period, DAUG has performed better with a 13.72% return vs 11.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DAUG or PBFR?

PBFR is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for DAUG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DAUG or PBFR?

PBFR has the higher dividend yield at 0.01%, compared with 0.00% for DAUG.

What is the main difference between DAUG and PBFR?

They also come from different issuers: FT Vest and PGIM. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for DAUG and 0.50% for PBFR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PBFR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.73 vs 2.48), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.