PMJL vs. PBAU

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PMJL (PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - July) and PBAU (PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - August) are both Defined Outcome funds from PGIM. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.50% expense ratio.

Performance

PMJL vs. PBAU - 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 PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - August (PBAU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PMJL achieves a 3.02% return, which is significantly lower than PBAU's 4.34% return.

PMJL

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 0.50%
• YTD: 3.02%
• 6M: 3.04%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PBAU

• 1D: -0.23%
• 1M: 0.35%
• YTD: 4.34%
• 6M: 4.25%
• 1Y: 12.66%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PMJL vs. PBAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PMJL PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - July	3.02%	3.17%
PBAU PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - August	4.34%	6.36%

Correlation

The correlation between PMJL and PBAU is 0.82, 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 Jul 1, 2025	0.82

Return for Risk

PMJL vs. PBAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

PMJL

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

PBAU

PBAU Risk / Return Rank: 90
PBAU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
PBAU Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
PBAU Omega Ratio Rank: 92
PBAU Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
PBAU Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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.

PMJL vs. PBAU - 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 PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - August (PBAU). 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.

	PMJL	PBAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.69	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.97	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.56	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	3.86	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	20.58	—

Drawdowns

PMJL vs. PBAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PMJL drawdown since its inception was -1.49%, smaller than the maximum PBAU drawdown of -8.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PMJL and PBAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	PMJL	PBAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.49%	-8.87%	+7.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-3.29%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.26%	+0.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.12%	-0.65%	+0.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.62%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PMJL	PBAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.92%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	3.64%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.02%	4.77%	-2.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.02%	7.14%	-5.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.02%	7.14%	-5.12%

PMJL vs. PBAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both PMJL and PBAU have an expense ratio of 0.50%.

Dividends

PMJL vs. PBAU - Dividend Comparison

Neither PMJL nor PBAU has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PMJL and PBAU in my portfolio?

PMJL and PBAU have a correlation of 0.82, 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 PBAU?

Both ETFs have the same 0.50% expense ratio. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, PMJL or PBAU?

PMJL and PBAU have the same expense ratio: 0.50% per year.

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

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