PBFR vs. JANB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

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

Performance

PBFR vs. JANB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF (PBFR) and Aptus January Buffer ETF (JANB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PBFR achieves a 4.52% return, which is significantly lower than JANB's 6.08% return.

PBFR

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: 1.58%
• YTD: 4.52%
• 6M: 5.34%
• 1Y: 12.83%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

JANB

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 2.38%
• YTD: 6.08%
• 6M: 7.10%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PBFR vs. JANB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PBFR PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF	4.52%	2.34%
JANB Aptus January Buffer ETF	6.08%	2.69%

Correlation

The correlation between PBFR and JANB 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 15, 2025	0.90

Return for Risk

PBFR vs. JANB — Risk / Return Rank

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

PBFR

PBFR Risk / Return Rank: 90
PBFR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
PBFR Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
PBFR Omega Ratio Rank: 93
PBFR Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
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.

PBFR vs. JANB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF (PBFR) and Aptus January Buffer ETF (JANB). 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.

	PBFR	JANB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.99	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.36	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.66	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.57	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	24.09	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	PBFR	JANB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.99	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.54	1.97	-0.42

Drawdowns

PBFR vs. JANB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PBFR drawdown since its inception was -8.50%, which is greater than JANB's maximum drawdown of -6.52%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PBFR and JANB.

Drawdown Indicators

	PBFR	JANB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.50%	-6.52%	-1.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.82%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.16%	-0.22%	+0.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.63%	-1.14%	+0.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.53%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PBFR	JANB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.64%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.34%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.33%	7.41%	-3.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.89%	7.41%	-0.52%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.89%	7.41%	-0.52%

PBFR vs. JANB - Expense Ratio Comparison

PBFR has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than JANB's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

PBFR vs. JANB - Dividend Comparison

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

Position	TTM	2025	2024
JANB Aptus January 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 PBFR and JANB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, PBFR and JANB 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, PBFR or JANB?

On fees, JANB 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, PBFR or JANB?

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

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

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

What is the main difference between PBFR and JANB?

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