PBAU vs. DMAX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

PBAU (PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - August) and DMAX (iShares Large Cap Max Buffer December ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. PBAU is actively managed, while DMAX is passively managed. Over the past year, PBAU returned 13.65% vs 8.23% for DMAX. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.50% expense ratio.

Performance

PBAU vs. DMAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - August (PBAU) 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, PBAU achieves a 4.58% return, which is significantly higher than DMAX's 2.34% return.

PBAU

• 1D: -0.03%
• 1M: 0.58%
• YTD: 4.58%
• 6M: 4.61%
• 1Y: 13.65%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DMAX

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 0.22%
• YTD: 2.34%
• 6M: 2.59%
• 1Y: 8.23%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PBAU vs. DMAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PBAU PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - August	4.58%	11.67%
DMAX iShares Large Cap Max Buffer December ETF	2.34%	7.51%

Correlation

The correlation between PBAU 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	0.85

The correlation between PBAU and DMAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.85 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PBAU vs. DMAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

PBAU

PBAU Risk / Return Rank: 90
PBAU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
PBAU Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
PBAU Omega Ratio Rank: 93
PBAU Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
PBAU Martin Ratio Rank: 92

DMAX

DMAX Risk / Return Rank: 95
DMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
DMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
DMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 96
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.

PBAU vs. DMAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - August (PBAU) 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.

	PBAU	DMAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.88	3.55	-0.66
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.27	5.45	-1.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.61	1.76	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.17	5.85	-1.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	22.20	29.41	-7.21

PBAU vs. DMAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PBAU Sharpe Ratio is 2.88, which is comparable to the DMAX Sharpe Ratio of 3.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PBAU 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

PBAU vs. DMAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PBAU drawdown since its inception was -8.87%, which is greater than DMAX's maximum drawdown of -3.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PBAU and DMAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PBAU	DMAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.87%	-3.37%	-5.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.29%	-1.41%	-1.88%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.03%	-0.24%	+0.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.65%	-0.38%	-0.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.62%	0.28%	+0.34%

Volatility

PBAU vs. DMAX - Volatility Comparison

PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - August (PBAU) has a higher volatility of 0.88% compared to iShares Large Cap Max Buffer December ETF (DMAX) at 0.64%. This indicates that PBAU'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

	PBAU	DMAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.88%	0.64%	+0.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.64%	1.64%	+2.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.77%	2.34%	+2.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.15%	3.38%	+3.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.15%	3.38%	+3.77%

PBAU vs. DMAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

PBAU vs. DMAX - Dividend Comparison

PBAU has not paid dividends to shareholders, while DMAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.15%.

Position	TTM	2025
DMAX iShares Large Cap Max Buffer December ETF	1.15%	1.18%
PBAU PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - August	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PBAU and DMAX in my portfolio?

PBAU 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, PBAU or DMAX?

PBAU has higher volatility (0.88%) compared to DMAX (0.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PBAU dropped -8.87% vs DMAX's -3.37%.

Which ETF is better, PBAU or DMAX?

On 1-year performance, PBAU leads with 13.65% vs 8.23% for DMAX. Both ETFs have the same 0.50% expense ratio. On volatility, DMAX has been the lower-risk option at 0.64%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PBAU or DMAX?

Over the 1-year period, PBAU has performed better with a 13.65% return vs 8.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PBAU or DMAX?

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

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

DMAX has the higher dividend yield at 1.15%, compared with 0.00% for PBAU.

What is the main difference between PBAU and DMAX?

They also come from different issuers: PGIM and iShares.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DMAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.55 vs 2.88), 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.