PBOC vs. APRB

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

PBOC (PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - October) and APRB (Aptus April Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PBOC charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for APRB.

Performance

PBOC vs. APRB - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with PBOC having a 4.16% return and APRB slightly higher at 4.20%.

PBOC

• 1D: -0.61%
• 1M: 0.51%
• YTD: 4.16%
• 6M: 4.62%
• 1Y: 12.57%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

APRB

• 1D: -0.71%
• 1M: 0.55%
• YTD: 4.20%
• 6M: 4.58%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PBOC vs. APRB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PBOC PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - October	4.16%	2.20%
APRB Aptus April Buffer ETF	4.20%	2.48%

Correlation

The correlation between PBOC and APRB is 0.93, 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	0.93

Return for Risk

PBOC vs. APRB — Risk / Return Rank

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

PBOC

PBOC Risk / Return Rank: 83
PBOC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
PBOC Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
PBOC Omega Ratio Rank: 88
PBOC Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
PBOC Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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.

PBOC vs. APRB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - October (PBOC) and Aptus April Buffer ETF (APRB). 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.

	PBOC	APRB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.51	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.62	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.52	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.50	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.59	—	—
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

	PBOC	APRB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.51	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.45	1.81	-0.35

Drawdowns

PBOC vs. APRB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PBOC drawdown since its inception was -8.33%, which is greater than APRB's maximum drawdown of -4.59%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PBOC and APRB.

Drawdown Indicators

	PBOC	APRB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.33%	-4.59%	-3.74%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.60%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.61%	-0.71%	+0.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.67%	-0.74%	+0.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.72%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PBOC	APRB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.86%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.95%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.04%	6.01%	-0.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.90%	6.01%	+0.89%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.90%	6.01%	+0.89%

PBOC vs. APRB - Expense Ratio Comparison

PBOC has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than APRB's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

PBOC vs. APRB - Dividend Comparison

Neither PBOC nor APRB has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PBOC and APRB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, PBOC and APRB 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, PBOC or APRB?

On fees, APRB 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, PBOC or APRB?

APRB is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for PBOC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PBOC or APRB?

PBOC and APRB have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between PBOC and APRB?

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