PMFB vs. CBXA

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

PMFB (PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - February) and CBXA (Calamos Bitcoin 90 Series Structured Alt Protection ETF - April) are both Defined Outcome funds. PMFB is actively managed, while CBXA is passively managed. Over the past year, PMFB returned 6.88% vs -25.64% for CBXA. At a 0.43 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. PMFB charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for CBXA.

Performance

PMFB vs. CBXA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - February (PMFB) and Calamos Bitcoin 90 Series Structured Alt Protection ETF - April (CBXA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PMFB achieves a 2.97% return, which is significantly higher than CBXA's -20.34% return.

PMFB

• 1D: -0.06%
• 1M: 0.50%
• 6M: 2.66%
• YTD: 2.97%
• 1Y: 6.88%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CBXA

• 1D: -0.37%
• 1M: -0.43%
• 6M: -24.61%
• YTD: -20.34%
• 1Y: -25.64%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PMFB vs. CBXA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PMFB PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - February	2.97%	8.78%
CBXA Calamos Bitcoin 90 Series Structured Alt Protection ETF - April	-20.34%	9.67%

Correlation

The correlation between PMFB and CBXA is 0.43, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.43
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 7, 2025	0.43

Return for Risk

PMFB vs. CBXA — Risk / Return Rank

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

PMFB

PMFB Risk / Return Rank: 96
PMFB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
PMFB Sortino Ratio Rank: 97
PMFB Omega Ratio Rank: 96
PMFB Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
PMFB Martin Ratio Rank: 96

CBXA

CBXA Risk / Return Rank: 1
CBXA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 0
CBXA Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
CBXA Omega Ratio Rank: 0
CBXA Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
CBXA Martin Ratio Rank: 1

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.

PMFB vs. CBXA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - February (PMFB) and Calamos Bitcoin 90 Series Structured Alt Protection ETF - April (CBXA). 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.

	PMFB	CBXA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.33	-1.42	+4.74
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	5.16	-1.97	+7.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.73	0.76	+0.97
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.15	-0.87	+6.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	26.01	-1.51	+27.52

PMFB vs. CBXA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PMFB Sharpe Ratio is 3.33, which is higher than the CBXA Sharpe Ratio of -1.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PMFB and CBXA, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

PMFB vs. CBXA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PMFB drawdown since its inception was -2.94%, smaller than the maximum CBXA drawdown of -29.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PMFB and CBXA.

Drawdown Indicators

	PMFB	CBXA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.94%	-29.68%	+26.74%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.34%	-29.68%	+28.34%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.06%	-27.48%	+27.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.35%	-10.42%	+10.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.26%	17.01%	-16.75%

Volatility

PMFB vs. CBXA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - February (PMFB) is 0.46%, while Calamos Bitcoin 90 Series Structured Alt Protection ETF - April (CBXA) has a volatility of 3.49%. This indicates that PMFB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than CBXA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PMFB	CBXA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.46%	3.49%	-3.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.55%	14.47%	-12.92%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.08%	18.19%	-16.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.71%	16.79%	-14.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.71%	16.79%	-14.08%

PMFB vs. CBXA - Expense Ratio Comparison

PMFB has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than CBXA's 0.69% expense ratio.

Dividends

PMFB vs. CBXA - Dividend Comparison

PMFB has not paid dividends to shareholders, while CBXA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.48%.

Position	TTM	2025
CBXA Calamos Bitcoin 90 Series Structured Alt Protection ETF - April	2.48%	1.97%
PMFB PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - February	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PMFB and CBXA in my portfolio?

PMFB and CBXA have a correlation of 0.43, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PMFB or CBXA?

CBXA has higher volatility (3.49%) compared to PMFB (0.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PMFB dropped -2.94% vs CBXA's -29.68%.

Which ETF is better, PMFB or CBXA?

On 1-year performance, PMFB leads with 6.88% vs -25.64% for CBXA. On fees, PMFB is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, PMFB has been the lower-risk option at 0.46%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PMFB or CBXA?

Over the 1-year period, PMFB has performed better with a 6.88% return vs -25.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PMFB or CBXA?

PMFB is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for CBXA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PMFB or CBXA?

CBXA has the higher dividend yield at 2.48%, compared with 0.00% for PMFB.

What is the main difference between PMFB and CBXA?

They also come from different issuers: PGIM and Calamos. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for PMFB and 0.69% for CBXA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PMFB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.33 vs -1.42), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.