PMDE vs. QMAR

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

PMDE (PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - December) and QMAR (FT Cboe Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March) are both exchange-traded funds - PMDE is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), while QMAR is a Nasdaq-100 fund actively managed by First Trust. PMDE is passively managed, while QMAR is actively managed. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PMDE charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.90%/yr for QMAR.

Performance

PMDE vs. QMAR - 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 FT Cboe Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March (QMAR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PMDE achieves a 3.12% return, which is significantly lower than QMAR's 12.87% return.

PMDE

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 0.60%
• 6M: 2.74%
• YTD: 3.12%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QMAR

• 1D: 0.18%
• 1M: 0.79%
• 6M: 12.30%
• YTD: 12.87%
• 1Y: 19.74%
• 3Y*: 15.79%
• 5Y*: 11.38%
• 10Y*: —

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

PMDE vs. QMAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PMDE PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - December	3.12%	0.44%
QMAR FT Cboe Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March	12.87%	1.12%

Correlation

The correlation between PMDE and QMAR is 0.77, 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 1, 2025	0.77

Return for Risk

PMDE vs. QMAR — 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.

QMAR

QMAR Risk / Return Rank: 96
QMAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
QMAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
QMAR Omega Ratio Rank: 96
QMAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
QMAR Martin Ratio Rank: 97

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. QMAR - 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 FT Cboe Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - March (QMAR). 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	QMAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.99	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	4.49	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.68	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	6.17	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	34.68	—

Drawdowns

PMDE vs. QMAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PMDE drawdown since its inception was -1.59%, smaller than the maximum QMAR drawdown of -19.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PMDE and QMAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	PMDE	QMAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.59%	-19.83%	+18.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-3.21%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-15.91%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-19.83%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.35%	+0.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.24%	-3.24%	+3.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.57%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PMDE	QMAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.79%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	5.77%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.40%	6.62%	-4.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.40%	14.02%	-11.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.40%	13.79%	-11.39%

PMDE vs. QMAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

PMDE has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than QMAR's 0.90% expense ratio.

Dividends

PMDE vs. QMAR - Dividend Comparison

Neither PMDE nor QMAR has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PMDE and QMAR in my portfolio?

PMDE and QMAR have a correlation of 0.77, 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 QMAR?

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 QMAR?

PMDE is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for QMAR.

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

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

What is the main difference between PMDE and QMAR?

PMDE is categorized as Defined Outcome, while QMAR is Nasdaq-100. They also come from different issuers: PGIM and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for PMDE and 0.90% for QMAR.