JULB vs. PBFR

Last updated Jun 20, 2026

JULB (Aptus July Buffer ETF) and PBFR (PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. JULB charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for PBFR.

Performance

JULB vs. PBFR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Aptus July Buffer ETF (JULB) 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, JULB achieves a 6.84% return, which is significantly higher than PBFR's 4.59% return.

JULB

• 1D: 0.51%
• 1M: 1.18%
• YTD: 6.84%
• 6M: 7.15%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PBFR

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: 0.58%
• YTD: 4.59%
• 6M: 5.10%
• 1Y: 12.75%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

JULB vs. PBFR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
JULB Aptus July Buffer ETF	6.84%	2.44%
PBFR PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF	4.59%	2.21%

Correlation

The correlation between JULB and PBFR is 0.90, 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 Oct 14, 2025	0.90

Return for Risk

JULB vs. PBFR — Risk / Return Rank

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

JULB

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

PBFR

PBFR Risk / Return Rank: 91
PBFR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
PBFR Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
PBFR Omega Ratio Rank: 94
PBFR Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
PBFR Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

JULB vs. PBFR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Aptus July Buffer ETF (JULB) 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.

	JULB	PBFR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.92	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	4.24	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.64	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	4.50	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	23.38	—

Drawdowns

JULB vs. PBFR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum JULB drawdown since its inception was -5.24%, smaller than the maximum PBFR drawdown of -8.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for JULB and PBFR.

Drawdown Indicators

	JULB	PBFR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-5.24%	-8.50%	+3.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-2.82%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.16%	+0.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.84%	-0.63%	-0.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.54%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	JULB	PBFR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.27%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	3.52%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.86%	4.34%	+2.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.86%	6.86%	0.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.86%	6.86%	0.00%

JULB vs. PBFR - Expense Ratio Comparison

JULB has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than PBFR's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

JULB vs. PBFR - Dividend Comparison

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

Position	TTM	2025	2024
JULB Aptus July Buffer ETF	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 JULB and PBFR in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, JULB and PBFR move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, JULB or PBFR?

On fees, JULB is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, JULB or PBFR?

JULB is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for PBFR.

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

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

What is the main difference between JULB and PBFR?

They also come from different issuers: Aptus Capital Advisors and PGIM. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for JULB and 0.50% for PBFR.