PBSE vs. PMAU

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

PBSE (PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - September) and PMAU (PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - August) are both Defined Outcome funds from PGIM. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.50% expense ratio.

Performance

PBSE vs. PMAU - 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 PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - August (PMAU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PBSE achieves a 4.41% return, which is significantly higher than PMAU's 2.95% return.

PBSE

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 1.30%
• YTD: 4.41%
• 6M: 5.07%
• 1Y: 12.98%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PMAU

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.78%
• YTD: 2.95%
• 6M: 3.43%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PBSE vs. PMAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PBSE PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - September	4.41%	5.25%
PMAU PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - August	2.95%	2.98%

Correlation

The correlation between PBSE and PMAU is 0.91, 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 Aug 4, 2025	0.91

Return for Risk

PBSE vs. PMAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

PBSE

PBSE Risk / Return Rank: 89
PBSE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
PBSE Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
PBSE Omega Ratio Rank: 92
PBSE Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
PBSE Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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. PMAU - 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 PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - August (PMAU). 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	PMAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.88	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.30	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.61	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.13	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	22.03	—	—
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	PMAU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.88	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.58	2.89	-1.31

Drawdowns

PBSE vs. PMAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PBSE drawdown since its inception was -8.35%, which is greater than PMAU's maximum drawdown of -1.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PBSE and PMAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	PBSE	PMAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.35%	-1.79%	-6.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.15%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.02%	+0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.63%	-0.17%	-0.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.59%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PBSE	PMAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.43%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.41%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.52%	2.51%	+2.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.66%	2.51%	+4.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.66%	2.51%	+4.15%

PBSE vs. PMAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both PBSE and PMAU have an expense ratio of 0.50%.

Dividends

PBSE vs. PMAU - Dividend Comparison

Neither PBSE nor PMAU has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PBSE and PMAU in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, PBSE and PMAU 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 PMAU?

Both ETFs have the same 0.50% expense ratio. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, PBSE or PMAU?

PBSE and PMAU have the same expense ratio: 0.50% per year.

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

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