PMJL vs. OCTB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PMJL (PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - July) and OCTB (Aptus October Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PMJL charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for OCTB.

Performance

PMJL vs. OCTB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - July (PMJL) 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, PMJL achieves a 2.63% return, which is significantly lower than OCTB's 6.18% return.

PMJL

• 1D: -0.02%
• 1M: 0.61%
• YTD: 2.63%
• 6M: 3.15%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

OCTB

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: 2.41%
• YTD: 6.18%
• 6M: 6.75%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PMJL vs. OCTB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PMJL PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - July	2.63%	1.29%
OCTB Aptus October Buffer ETF	6.18%	2.37%

Correlation

The correlation between PMJL and OCTB is 0.88, 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 Oct 15, 2025	0.88

Return for Risk

PMJL vs. OCTB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - July (PMJL) 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

	PMJL	OCTB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	3.23	1.97	+1.26

Drawdowns

PMJL vs. OCTB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PMJL drawdown since its inception was -1.49%, smaller than the maximum OCTB drawdown of -4.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PMJL and OCTB.

Drawdown Indicators

	PMJL	OCTB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.49%	-4.79%	+3.30%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.02%	-0.17%	+0.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.12%	-0.70%	+0.58%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PMJL	OCTB	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.06%	7.20%	-5.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.06%	7.20%	-5.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.06%	7.20%	-5.14%

PMJL vs. OCTB - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

PMJL vs. OCTB - Dividend Comparison

Neither PMJL nor OCTB has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PMJL and OCTB in my portfolio?

PMJL and OCTB have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, PMJL 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, PMJL or OCTB?

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

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

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

What is the main difference between PMJL and OCTB?

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