PBSE vs. APRB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PBSE (PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - September) 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. PBSE charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for APRB.

Performance

PBSE vs. APRB - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PBSE achieves a 4.31% return, which is significantly lower than APRB's 4.77% return.

PBSE

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: 1.42%
• YTD: 4.31%
• 6M: 5.00%
• 1Y: 12.86%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

APRB

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: 1.69%
• YTD: 4.77%
• 6M: 5.32%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PBSE vs. APRB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PBSE PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - September	4.31%	2.14%
APRB Aptus April Buffer ETF	4.77%	2.48%

Correlation

The correlation between PBSE 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

PBSE vs. APRB — Risk / Return Rank

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

PBSE

PBSE Risk / Return Rank: 88
PBSE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
PBSE Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
PBSE Omega Ratio Rank: 92
PBSE Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
PBSE Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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.

PBSE vs. APRB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	PBSE	APRB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.86	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.26	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.60	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.10	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	21.83	—	—
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

	PBSE	APRB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.86	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.57	2.00	-0.43

Drawdowns

PBSE vs. APRB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PBSE drawdown since its inception was -8.35%, which is greater than APRB's maximum drawdown of -4.59%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PBSE and APRB.

Drawdown Indicators

	PBSE	APRB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.35%	-4.59%	-3.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.15%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.05%	-0.11%	+0.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.63%	-0.74%	+0.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.59%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PBSE	APRB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.46%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.42%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.53%	5.98%	-1.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.66%	5.98%	+0.68%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.66%	5.98%	+0.68%

PBSE vs. APRB - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

PBSE vs. APRB - Dividend Comparison

Neither PBSE nor APRB has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PBSE and APRB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, PBSE 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, PBSE 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, PBSE or APRB?

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

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

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

What is the main difference between PBSE and APRB?

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