NOVP vs. DMAX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

NOVP (PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF - November) and DMAX (iShares Large Cap Max Buffer December ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. NOVP is actively managed, while DMAX is passively managed. Over the past year, NOVP returned 14.01% vs 7.33% for DMAX. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.50% expense ratio.

Performance

NOVP vs. DMAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF - November (NOVP) and iShares Large Cap Max Buffer December ETF (DMAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NOVP achieves a 5.67% return, which is significantly higher than DMAX's 2.14% return.

NOVP

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: -0.75%
• YTD: 5.67%
• 6M: 5.08%
• 1Y: 14.01%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DMAX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: -0.07%
• YTD: 2.14%
• 6M: 2.21%
• 1Y: 7.33%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

NOVP vs. DMAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
NOVP PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF - November	5.67%	12.14%
DMAX iShares Large Cap Max Buffer December ETF	2.14%	7.51%

Correlation

The correlation between NOVP and DMAX 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2025	0.84

The correlation between NOVP and DMAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

NOVP vs. DMAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

NOVP

NOVP Risk / Return Rank: 67
NOVP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
NOVP Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
NOVP Omega Ratio Rank: 73
NOVP Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
NOVP Martin Ratio Rank: 72

DMAX

DMAX Risk / Return Rank: 95
DMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
DMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
DMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 95
DMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
DMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 95

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.

NOVP vs. DMAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF - November (NOVP) and iShares Large Cap Max Buffer December ETF (DMAX). 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.

	NOVP	DMAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.91	3.20	-1.30
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.71	4.85	-2.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.67	-0.29
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.45	5.21	-2.76
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.85	25.84	-13.99

NOVP vs. DMAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NOVP Sharpe Ratio is 1.91, which is lower than the DMAX Sharpe Ratio of 3.20. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NOVP and DMAX, 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

NOVP vs. DMAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NOVP drawdown since its inception was -11.79%, which is greater than DMAX's maximum drawdown of -3.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NOVP and DMAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	NOVP	DMAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.79%	-3.37%	-8.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.74%	-1.41%	-4.33%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.43%	-0.44%	-0.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.02%	-0.38%	-0.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.19%	0.28%	+0.91%

Volatility

NOVP vs. DMAX - Volatility Comparison

PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF - November (NOVP) has a higher volatility of 2.53% compared to iShares Large Cap Max Buffer December ETF (DMAX) at 0.65%. This indicates that NOVP's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DMAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NOVP	DMAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.53%	0.65%	+1.88%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.35%	1.64%	+4.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	7.39%	2.30%	+5.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.63%	3.37%	+6.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.63%	3.37%	+6.26%

NOVP vs. DMAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both NOVP and DMAX have an expense ratio of 0.50%.

Dividends

NOVP vs. DMAX - Dividend Comparison

NOVP has not paid dividends to shareholders, while DMAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.16%.

Position	TTM	2025
DMAX iShares Large Cap Max Buffer December ETF	1.16%	1.18%
NOVP PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF - November	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NOVP and DMAX in my portfolio?

NOVP and DMAX 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 is riskier, NOVP or DMAX?

NOVP has higher volatility (2.53%) compared to DMAX (0.65%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NOVP dropped -11.79% vs DMAX's -3.37%.

Which ETF is better, NOVP or DMAX?

On 1-year performance, NOVP leads with 14.01% vs 7.33% for DMAX. Both ETFs have the same 0.50% expense ratio. On volatility, DMAX has been the lower-risk option at 0.65%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NOVP or DMAX?

Over the 1-year period, NOVP has performed better with a 14.01% return vs 7.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NOVP or DMAX?

NOVP and DMAX have the same expense ratio: 0.50% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NOVP or DMAX?

DMAX has the higher dividend yield at 1.16%, compared with 0.00% for NOVP.

What is the main difference between NOVP and DMAX?

They also come from different issuers: PGIM and iShares.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DMAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.20 vs 1.91), 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.