FHDG vs. PMJL

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FHDG (FT Vest U.S. Equity Quarterly Dynamic Buffer ETF) and PMJL (PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - July) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FHDG charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for PMJL.

Performance

FHDG vs. PMJL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest U.S. Equity Quarterly Dynamic Buffer ETF (FHDG) and PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - July (PMJL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FHDG achieves a 6.58% return, which is significantly higher than PMJL's 2.92% return.

FHDG

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 0.54%
• YTD: 6.58%
• 6M: 6.54%
• 1Y: 15.57%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PMJL

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: 0.40%
• YTD: 2.92%
• 6M: 3.01%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FHDG vs. PMJL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FHDG FT Vest U.S. Equity Quarterly Dynamic Buffer ETF	6.58%	6.65%
PMJL PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - July	2.92%	3.17%

Correlation

The correlation between FHDG and PMJL is 0.82, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 1, 2025	0.82

Return for Risk

FHDG vs. PMJL — Risk / Return Rank

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

FHDG

FHDG Risk / Return Rank: 88
FHDG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
FHDG Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
FHDG Omega Ratio Rank: 92
FHDG Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
FHDG Martin Ratio Rank: 91

PMJL

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

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.

FHDG vs. PMJL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest U.S. Equity Quarterly Dynamic Buffer ETF (FHDG) and PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - July (PMJL). 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.

	FHDG	PMJL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.78	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.01	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.60	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.94	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	21.01	—	—

Drawdowns

FHDG vs. PMJL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FHDG drawdown since its inception was -14.01%, which is greater than PMJL's maximum drawdown of -1.49%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FHDG and PMJL.

Drawdown Indicators

	FHDG	PMJL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.01%	-1.49%	-12.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.96%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.37%	0.00%	-0.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.11%	-0.12%	-0.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.74%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FHDG	PMJL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.05%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.74%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.63%	2.03%	+3.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.63%	2.03%	+9.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.63%	2.03%	+9.60%

FHDG vs. PMJL - Expense Ratio Comparison

FHDG has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than PMJL's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

FHDG vs. PMJL - Dividend Comparison

Neither FHDG nor PMJL has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FHDG and PMJL in my portfolio?

FHDG and PMJL have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, FHDG or PMJL?

On fees, PMJL 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, FHDG or PMJL?

PMJL is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for FHDG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FHDG or PMJL?

FHDG and PMJL have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between FHDG and PMJL?

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