PMDE vs. ZAPR

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

PMDE (PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - December) and ZAPR (Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr April) are both Defined Outcome funds. PMDE is passively managed, while ZAPR is actively managed. At a 0.40 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. PMDE charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for ZAPR.

Performance

PMDE vs. ZAPR - 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 Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr April (ZAPR). 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 ZAPR's 3.28% return.

PMDE

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

ZAPR

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: 0.55%
• YTD: 3.28%
• 6M: 3.74%
• 1Y: 7.16%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PMDE vs. ZAPR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PMDE PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - December	2.67%	0.46%
ZAPR Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr April	3.28%	0.55%

Correlation

The correlation between PMDE and ZAPR is 0.40, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 2, 2025	0.40

Return for Risk

PMDE vs. ZAPR — Risk / Return Rank

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

ZAPR

ZAPR Risk / Return Rank: 98
ZAPR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
ZAPR Sortino Ratio Rank: 99
ZAPR Omega Ratio Rank: 98
ZAPR Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
ZAPR Martin Ratio Rank: 99

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. ZAPR - 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 Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr April (ZAPR). 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	ZAPR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	4.92	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.58	2.97	-0.39

Drawdowns

PMDE vs. ZAPR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PMDE drawdown since its inception was -1.59%, smaller than the maximum ZAPR drawdown of -1.72%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PMDE and ZAPR.

Drawdown Indicators

	PMDE	ZAPR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.59%	-1.72%	+0.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-0.40%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.26%	-0.09%	-0.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.08%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PMDE	ZAPR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.36%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	1.01%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.46%	1.46%	+1.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.46%	2.50%	-0.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.46%	2.50%	-0.04%

PMDE vs. ZAPR - Expense Ratio Comparison

PMDE has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than ZAPR's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

PMDE vs. ZAPR - Dividend Comparison

Neither PMDE nor ZAPR has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PMDE and ZAPR in my portfolio?

PMDE and ZAPR have a correlation of 0.40, 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 ZAPR?

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 ZAPR?

PMDE is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for ZAPR.

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

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

What is the main difference between PMDE and ZAPR?

They also come from different issuers: PGIM and Innovator. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for PMDE and 0.79% for ZAPR.