PMDE vs. HEQT

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

PMDE (PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - December) and HEQT (Simplify Hedged Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PMDE is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), while HEQT is a Equity Hedged fund actively managed by Simplify. PMDE is passively managed, while HEQT is actively managed. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PMDE charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.43%/yr for HEQT.

Performance

PMDE vs. HEQT - 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 Simplify Hedged Equity ETF (HEQT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PMDE achieves a 2.41% return, which is significantly lower than HEQT's 3.86% return.

PMDE

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: 0.04%
• YTD: 2.41%
• 6M: 2.35%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

HEQT

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: -0.30%
• YTD: 3.86%
• 6M: 3.37%
• 1Y: 12.07%
• 3Y*: 12.89%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PMDE vs. HEQT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PMDE PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - December	2.41%	0.44%
HEQT Simplify Hedged Equity ETF	3.86%	0.74%

Correlation

The correlation between PMDE and HEQT is 0.83, 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	0.83

Return for Risk

PMDE vs. HEQT — 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.

HEQT

HEQT Risk / Return Rank: 62
HEQT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
HEQT Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
HEQT Omega Ratio Rank: 69
HEQT Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
HEQT Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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. HEQT - 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 Simplify Hedged Equity ETF (HEQT). 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	HEQT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.83	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.58	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.37	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	2.38	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	10.73	—

Drawdowns

PMDE vs. HEQT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PMDE drawdown since its inception was -1.59%, smaller than the maximum HEQT drawdown of -11.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PMDE and HEQT.

Drawdown Indicators

	PMDE	HEQT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.59%	-11.51%	+9.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-5.09%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-10.57%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.31%	-1.28%	+0.97%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.25%	-2.76%	+2.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.13%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PMDE	HEQT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.06%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	5.48%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.46%	6.65%	-4.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.46%	8.47%	-6.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.46%	8.47%	-6.01%

PMDE vs. HEQT - Expense Ratio Comparison

PMDE has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than HEQT's 0.43% expense ratio.

Dividends

PMDE vs. HEQT - Dividend Comparison

PMDE has not paid dividends to shareholders, while HEQT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.21%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
HEQT Simplify Hedged Equity ETF	1.21%	1.19%	1.29%	4.10%	3.94%	0.27%
PMDE PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - December	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PMDE and HEQT in my portfolio?

PMDE and HEQT have a correlation of 0.83, 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 HEQT?

On fees, HEQT is cheaper at 0.43% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, PMDE or HEQT?

HEQT is cheaper with a 0.43% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for PMDE.

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

HEQT has the higher dividend yield at 1.21%, compared with 0.00% for PMDE.

What is the main difference between PMDE and HEQT?

PMDE is categorized as Defined Outcome, while HEQT is Equity Hedged. They also come from different issuers: PGIM and Simplify. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for PMDE and 0.43% for HEQT.