IWMY vs. PMDE

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

IWMY (Defiance R2000 Weekly Distribution ETF) and PMDE (PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - December) are both exchange-traded funds - IWMY is a Options Trading fund actively managed by Defiance, while PMDE is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY). IWMY is actively managed, while PMDE is passively managed. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IWMY charges 1.05%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for PMDE.

Performance

IWMY vs. PMDE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Defiance R2000 Weekly Distribution ETF (IWMY) and PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - December (PMDE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IWMY achieves a 14.39% return, which is significantly higher than PMDE's 3.16% return.

IWMY

• 1D: 0.26%
• 1M: 0.60%
• 6M: 9.13%
• YTD: 14.39%
• 1Y: 17.50%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PMDE

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: 0.64%
• 6M: 2.74%
• YTD: 3.16%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

IWMY vs. PMDE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
IWMY Defiance R2000 Weekly Distribution ETF	14.39%	-1.41%
PMDE PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - December	3.16%	0.44%

Correlation

The correlation between IWMY and PMDE is 0.69, 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 Dec 1, 2025	0.69

Return for Risk

IWMY vs. PMDE — Risk / Return Rank

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

IWMY

IWMY Risk / Return Rank: 36
IWMY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
IWMY Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
IWMY Omega Ratio Rank: 34
IWMY Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
IWMY Martin Ratio Rank: 39

PMDE

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.

IWMY vs. PMDE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defiance R2000 Weekly Distribution ETF (IWMY) and PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - December (PMDE). 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.

	IWMY	PMDE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.08	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.53	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.52	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.96	—	—

Drawdowns

IWMY vs. PMDE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IWMY drawdown since its inception was -18.72%, which is greater than PMDE's maximum drawdown of -1.59%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IWMY and PMDE.

Drawdown Indicators

	IWMY	PMDE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.72%	-1.59%	-17.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.57%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.75%	0.00%	-1.75%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.90%	-0.24%	-2.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.54%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	IWMY	PMDE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.53%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.47%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.30%	2.39%	+13.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.84%	2.39%	+13.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.84%	2.39%	+13.45%

IWMY vs. PMDE - Expense Ratio Comparison

IWMY has a 1.05% expense ratio, which is higher than PMDE's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

IWMY vs. PMDE - Dividend Comparison

IWMY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 42.74%, while PMDE has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
IWMY Defiance R2000 Weekly Distribution ETF	42.74%	63.33%	107.92%	11.34%
PMDE PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - December	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IWMY and PMDE in my portfolio?

IWMY and PMDE have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, IWMY or PMDE?

On fees, PMDE 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, IWMY or PMDE?

PMDE is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 1.05% for IWMY.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IWMY or PMDE?

IWMY has the higher dividend yield at 42.74%, compared with 0.00% for PMDE.

What is the main difference between IWMY and PMDE?

IWMY is categorized as Options Trading, while PMDE is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Defiance and PGIM. Their fees differ too: 1.05% for IWMY and 0.50% for PMDE.