DLFE vs. PMAP

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

DLFE (FT Vest U.S. Equity Dual Directional Buffer ETF - February) and PMAP (PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - April) are both Defined Outcome funds. DLFE is passively managed, while PMAP is actively managed. A 0.80 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DLFE charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for PMAP.

Performance

DLFE vs. PMAP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest U.S. Equity Dual Directional Buffer ETF - February (DLFE) and PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - April (PMAP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

DLFE

• 1D: -0.74%
• 1M: 0.34%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PMAP

• 1D: -0.18%
• 1M: 0.18%
• YTD: 3.13%
• 6M: 3.59%
• 1Y: 7.26%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DLFE vs. PMAP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
DLFE FT Vest U.S. Equity Dual Directional Buffer ETF - February	4.27%
PMAP PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - April	2.51%

Correlation

The correlation between DLFE and PMAP 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 Feb 24, 2026	0.80

Return for Risk

DLFE vs. PMAP — Risk / Return Rank

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

PMAP

PMAP Risk / Return Rank: 99
PMAP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 99
PMAP Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
PMAP Omega Ratio Rank: 99
PMAP Calmar Ratio Rank: 99
PMAP Martin Ratio Rank: 99

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.

DLFE vs. PMAP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest U.S. Equity Dual Directional Buffer ETF - February (DLFE) and PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - April (PMAP). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DLFE	PMAP	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	6.28	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.98	3.15	-1.17

Drawdowns

DLFE vs. PMAP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DLFE drawdown since its inception was -5.03%, which is greater than PMAP's maximum drawdown of -1.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DLFE and PMAP.

Drawdown Indicators

	DLFE	PMAP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.03%	-1.75%	-3.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-0.34%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.88%	-0.20%	-0.68%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.98%	-0.08%	-0.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.06%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DLFE	PMAP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.30%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	0.83%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.01%	1.17%	+6.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.01%	2.33%	+5.68%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.01%	2.33%	+5.68%

DLFE vs. PMAP - Expense Ratio Comparison

DLFE has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than PMAP's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

DLFE vs. PMAP - Dividend Comparison

Neither DLFE nor PMAP has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DLFE and PMAP in my portfolio?

DLFE and PMAP 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.

Which ETF is better, DLFE or PMAP?

On fees, PMAP is cheaper at 0.50% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DLFE or PMAP?

PMAP is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for DLFE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DLFE or PMAP?

DLFE and PMAP have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between DLFE and PMAP?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and PGIM. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for DLFE and 0.50% for PMAP.