PMDE vs. BSTP

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

PMDE (PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - December) and BSTP (Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PMDE is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), while BSTP is a Options Trading fund tracking the S&P 500. Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PMDE charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.89%/yr for BSTP.

Performance

PMDE vs. BSTP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - December (PMDE) and Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF (BSTP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PMDE achieves a 2.65% return, which is significantly lower than BSTP's 5.61% return.

PMDE

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 0.27%
• YTD: 2.65%
• 6M: 2.57%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BSTP

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: 0.25%
• YTD: 5.61%
• 6M: 5.46%
• 1Y: 16.04%
• 3Y*: 13.67%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PMDE vs. BSTP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PMDE PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - December	2.65%	0.44%
BSTP Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF	5.61%	0.64%

Correlation

The correlation between PMDE and BSTP 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 Dec 1, 2025	0.90

Return for Risk

PMDE vs. BSTP — Risk / Return Rank

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

PMDE

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

BSTP

BSTP Risk / Return Rank: 61
BSTP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
BSTP Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
BSTP Omega Ratio Rank: 65
BSTP Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
BSTP Martin Ratio Rank: 69

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.

PMDE vs. BSTP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - December (PMDE) and Innovator Buffer Step-Up Strategy ETF (BSTP). 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.

	PMDE	BSTP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.95	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.74	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.38	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	2.58	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	12.35	—

Drawdowns

PMDE vs. BSTP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PMDE drawdown since its inception was -1.59%, smaller than the maximum BSTP drawdown of -16.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PMDE and BSTP.

Drawdown Indicators

	PMDE	BSTP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.59%	-16.69%	+15.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-6.23%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.69%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.08%	-0.75%	+0.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.25%	-3.49%	+3.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.30%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PMDE	BSTP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.83%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	6.58%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.47%	8.28%	-5.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.47%	12.10%	-9.63%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.47%	12.10%	-9.63%

PMDE vs. BSTP - Expense Ratio Comparison

PMDE has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than BSTP's 0.89% expense ratio.

Dividends

PMDE vs. BSTP - Dividend Comparison

Neither PMDE nor BSTP has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PMDE and BSTP in my portfolio?

PMDE and BSTP have a correlation of 0.90, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, PMDE or BSTP?

On fees, PMDE is cheaper at 0.50% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, PMDE or BSTP?

PMDE is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for BSTP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PMDE or BSTP?

PMDE and BSTP have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between PMDE and BSTP?

PMDE is categorized as Defined Outcome, while BSTP is Options Trading. PMDE tracks SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), while BSTP tracks S&P 500. They also come from different issuers: PGIM and Innovator. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for PMDE and 0.89% for BSTP.