PMOC vs. SQMX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PMOC (PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - October) and SQMX (FT Vest U.S. Equity Quarterly Max Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. PMOC is actively managed, while SQMX is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PMOC charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for SQMX.

Performance

PMOC vs. SQMX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - October (PMOC) and FT Vest U.S. Equity Quarterly Max Buffer ETF (SQMX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PMOC achieves a 2.83% return, which is significantly higher than SQMX's 2.14% return.

PMOC

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: 0.91%
• YTD: 2.83%
• 6M: 3.26%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SQMX

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: 0.55%
• YTD: 2.14%
• 6M: 3.01%
• 1Y: 8.52%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PMOC vs. SQMX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PMOC PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - October	2.83%	0.93%
SQMX FT Vest U.S. Equity Quarterly Max Buffer ETF	2.14%	2.35%

Correlation

The correlation between PMOC and SQMX is 0.86, 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 2, 2025	0.86

Return for Risk

PMOC vs. SQMX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SQMX

SQMX Risk / Return Rank: 84
SQMX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
SQMX Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
SQMX Omega Ratio Rank: 91
SQMX Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
SQMX Martin Ratio Rank: 86

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.

PMOC vs. SQMX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - October (PMOC) and FT Vest U.S. Equity Quarterly Max Buffer ETF (SQMX). 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

	PMOC	SQMX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.55	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.38	1.17	+1.22

Drawdowns

PMOC vs. SQMX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PMOC drawdown since its inception was -1.50%, smaller than the maximum SQMX drawdown of -7.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PMOC and SQMX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PMOC	SQMX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.50%	-7.40%	+5.90%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-2.04%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.21%	-0.55%	+0.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.48%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PMOC	SQMX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.12%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	2.72%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.42%	3.36%	-0.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.42%	6.28%	-3.86%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.42%	6.28%	-3.86%

PMOC vs. SQMX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PMOC has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than SQMX's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

PMOC vs. SQMX - Dividend Comparison

Neither PMOC nor SQMX has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PMOC and SQMX in my portfolio?

PMOC and SQMX have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, PMOC or SQMX?

On fees, PMOC 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, PMOC or SQMX?

PMOC is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for SQMX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PMOC or SQMX?

PMOC and SQMX have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between PMOC and SQMX?

They also come from different issuers: PGIM and FT Vest. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for PMOC and 0.85% for SQMX.