PMDE vs. OCTB

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

PMDE (PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - December) and OCTB (Aptus October Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. PMDE is passively managed, while OCTB is actively managed. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PMDE charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for OCTB.

Performance

PMDE vs. OCTB - 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 Aptus October Buffer ETF (OCTB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PMDE achieves a 2.67% return, which is significantly lower than OCTB's 6.34% return.

PMDE

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: 0.76%
• YTD: 2.67%
• 6M: 3.02%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

OCTB

• 1D: 0.15%
• 1M: 2.19%
• YTD: 6.34%
• 6M: 6.87%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PMDE vs. OCTB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PMDE PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - December	2.67%	0.46%
OCTB Aptus October Buffer ETF	6.34%	0.87%

Correlation

The correlation between PMDE and OCTB is 0.87, 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 2, 2025	0.87

Return for Risk

PMDE vs. OCTB - 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 Aptus October Buffer ETF (OCTB). 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	PMDE	OCTB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.58	2.00	+0.58

Drawdowns

PMDE vs. OCTB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PMDE drawdown since its inception was -1.59%, smaller than the maximum OCTB drawdown of -4.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PMDE and OCTB.

Drawdown Indicators

	PMDE	OCTB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.59%	-4.79%	+3.20%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.02%	+0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.26%	-0.70%	+0.44%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PMDE	OCTB	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.46%	7.18%	-4.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.46%	7.18%	-4.72%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.46%	7.18%	-4.72%

PMDE vs. OCTB - Expense Ratio Comparison

PMDE has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than OCTB's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

PMDE vs. OCTB - Dividend Comparison

Neither PMDE nor OCTB has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PMDE and OCTB in my portfolio?

PMDE and OCTB have a correlation of 0.87, 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 OCTB?

On fees, OCTB 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, PMDE or OCTB?

OCTB is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for PMDE.

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

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

What is the main difference between PMDE and OCTB?

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