PBFB vs. GSEP

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

PBFB (PGIM US Large-Cap Buffer 20 ETF - February) and GSEP (FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Moderate Buffer ETF – September) are both Options Trading funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, PBFB returned 11.32% vs 11.62% for GSEP. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PBFB charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for GSEP.

Performance

PBFB vs. GSEP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM US Large-Cap Buffer 20 ETF - February (PBFB) and FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Moderate Buffer ETF – September (GSEP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PBFB achieves a 5.12% return, which is significantly lower than GSEP's 6.09% return.

PBFB

• 1D: -0.25%
• 1M: 0.79%
• 6M: 4.59%
• YTD: 5.12%
• 1Y: 11.32%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GSEP

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 1.03%
• 6M: 5.06%
• YTD: 6.09%
• 1Y: 11.62%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PBFB vs. GSEP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
PBFB PGIM US Large-Cap Buffer 20 ETF - February	5.12%	9.86%	8.58%
GSEP FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Moderate Buffer ETF – September	6.09%	10.56%	9.81%

Correlation

The correlation between PBFB and GSEP is 0.89, 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	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 1, 2024	0.86

The correlation between PBFB and GSEP has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PBFB vs. GSEP — Risk / Return Rank

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

PBFB

PBFB Risk / Return Rank: 87
PBFB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
PBFB Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
PBFB Omega Ratio Rank: 92
PBFB Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
PBFB Martin Ratio Rank: 89

GSEP

GSEP Risk / Return Rank: 78
GSEP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
GSEP Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
GSEP Omega Ratio Rank: 83
GSEP Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
GSEP Martin Ratio Rank: 84

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.

PBFB vs. GSEP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM US Large-Cap Buffer 20 ETF - February (PBFB) and FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Moderate Buffer ETF – September (GSEP). 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.

	PBFB	GSEP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.35	1.95	+0.40
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.47	2.80	+0.67
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	1.39	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.00	2.63	+0.37
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.62	13.19	+2.43

PBFB vs. GSEP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PBFB Sharpe Ratio is 2.35, which is comparable to the GSEP Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PBFB and GSEP, 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

PBFB vs. GSEP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PBFB drawdown since its inception was -8.65%, smaller than the maximum GSEP drawdown of -10.09%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PBFB and GSEP.

Drawdown Indicators

	PBFB	GSEP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.65%	-10.09%	+1.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.79%	-4.44%	+0.65%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.25%	-0.22%	-0.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.61%	-0.72%	+0.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.73%	0.88%	-0.15%

Volatility

PBFB vs. GSEP - Volatility Comparison

PGIM US Large-Cap Buffer 20 ETF - February (PBFB) and FT Cboe Vest U.S. Equity Moderate Buffer ETF – September (GSEP) have volatilities of 1.40% and 1.45%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PBFB	GSEP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.40%	1.45%	-0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.01%	4.85%	-0.84%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.85%	6.00%	-1.15%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.40%	7.52%	-1.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.40%	7.52%	-1.12%

PBFB vs. GSEP - Expense Ratio Comparison

PBFB has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than GSEP's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

PBFB vs. GSEP - Dividend Comparison

Neither PBFB nor GSEP has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PBFB and GSEP in my portfolio?

PBFB and GSEP have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PBFB or GSEP?

GSEP has higher volatility (1.45%) compared to PBFB (1.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PBFB dropped -8.65% vs GSEP's -10.09%.

Which ETF is better, PBFB or GSEP?

On 1-year performance, GSEP leads with 11.62% vs 11.32% for PBFB. On fees, PBFB is cheaper at 0.50% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PBFB or GSEP?

Over the 1-year period, GSEP has performed better with a 11.62% return vs 11.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PBFB or GSEP?

PBFB is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for GSEP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PBFB or GSEP?

PBFB and GSEP have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between PBFB and GSEP?

They also come from different issuers: PGIM and FT Vest. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for PBFB and 0.85% for GSEP.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PBFB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.35 vs 1.95), 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.