PMJL vs. PBFR

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PMJL (PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - July) and PBFR (PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds from PGIM. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.50% expense ratio.

Performance

PMJL vs. PBFR - 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 Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF (PBFR). 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 PBFR's 4.52% return.

PMJL

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

PBFR

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: 1.58%
• YTD: 4.52%
• 6M: 5.34%
• 1Y: 12.83%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PMJL vs. PBFR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PMJL PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - July	2.63%	3.39%
PBFR PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF	4.52%	5.82%

Correlation

The correlation between PMJL and PBFR is 0.81, 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 2, 2025	0.81

Return for Risk

PMJL vs. PBFR — Risk / Return Rank

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

PBFR

PBFR Risk / Return Rank: 90
PBFR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
PBFR Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
PBFR Omega Ratio Rank: 93
PBFR Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
PBFR Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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. PBFR - 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 Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF (PBFR). 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	PBFR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.99	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	3.23	1.54	+1.69

Drawdowns

PMJL vs. PBFR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PMJL drawdown since its inception was -1.49%, smaller than the maximum PBFR drawdown of -8.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PMJL and PBFR.

Drawdown Indicators

	PMJL	PBFR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.49%	-8.50%	+7.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-2.82%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.02%	-0.16%	+0.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.12%	-0.63%	+0.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.53%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PMJL	PBFR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.64%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	3.34%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.06%	4.33%	-2.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.06%	6.89%	-4.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.06%	6.89%	-4.83%

PMJL vs. PBFR - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

PMJL vs. PBFR - Dividend Comparison

PMJL has not paid dividends to shareholders, while PBFR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.01%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
PBFR PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%
PMJL PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - July	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PMJL and PBFR in my portfolio?

PMJL and PBFR have a correlation of 0.81, 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 PBFR?

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 PBFR?

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

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

PBFR has the higher dividend yield at 0.01%, compared with 0.00% for PMJL.