PMDE vs. QB

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

PMDE (PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - December) and QB (ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds - PMDE tracks the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) while QB tracks the Nasdaq-100. Both are passively managed. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PMDE charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for QB.

Performance

PMDE vs. QB - 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 ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (QB). 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 QB's 10.26% return.

PMDE

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

QB

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: 2.03%
• YTD: 10.26%
• 6M: 9.81%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PMDE vs. QB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PMDE PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - December	2.67%	0.46%
QB ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF	10.26%	-0.34%

Correlation

The correlation between PMDE and QB is 0.69, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 2, 2025	0.69

Return for Risk

PMDE vs. QB - 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 ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (QB). 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	QB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.58	3.12	-0.54

Drawdowns

PMDE vs. QB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PMDE drawdown since its inception was -1.59%, smaller than the maximum QB drawdown of -1.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PMDE and QB.

Drawdown Indicators

	PMDE	QB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.59%	-1.83%	+0.24%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.49%	+0.49%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.26%	-0.35%	+0.09%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PMDE	QB	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.46%	5.74%	-3.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.46%	5.74%	-3.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.46%	5.74%	-3.28%

PMDE vs. QB - Expense Ratio Comparison

PMDE has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than QB's 0.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

PMDE vs. QB - Dividend Comparison

PMDE has not paid dividends to shareholders, while QB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.62%.

Position	TTM	2025
PMDE PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - December	0.00%	0.00%
QB ProShares Nasdaq-100 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF	0.62%	0.48%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PMDE and QB in my portfolio?

PMDE and QB have a correlation of 0.69, 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 QB?

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 QB?

PMDE is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for QB.

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

QB has the higher dividend yield at 0.62%, compared with 0.00% for PMDE.

What is the main difference between PMDE and QB?

PMDE tracks SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), while QB tracks Nasdaq-100. They also come from different issuers: PGIM and ProShares. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for PMDE and 0.58% for QB.