PMSE vs. BUFM
PMSE (PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - September) and BUFM (AB Moderate Buffer ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.80 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PMSE charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.69%/yr for BUFM.
Performance
PMSE vs. BUFM - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with PMSE having a 2.77% return and BUFM slightly higher at 2.79%.
PMSE
- 1D
- -0.04%
- 1M
- 0.15%
- YTD
- 2.77%
- 6M
- 2.72%
- 1Y
- —
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
BUFM
- 1D
- -0.05%
- 1M
- -0.37%
- YTD
- 2.79%
- 6M
- 1.76%
- 1Y
- 10.25%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
PMSE vs. BUFM - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
PMSE PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - September | 2.77% | 2.13% |
BUFM AB Moderate Buffer ETF | 2.79% | 3.99% |
Correlation
The correlation between PMSE and BUFM is 0.80, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 2, 2025 | 0.80 |
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Return for Risk
PMSE vs. BUFM — Risk / Return Rank
PMSE
Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.
BUFM
PMSE vs. BUFM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - September (PMSE) and AB Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFM). 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.
| PMSE | BUFM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | — | — | |
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | — | — | |
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | — | 1.32 | — |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | — | 2.53 | — |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | — | 9.17 | — |
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Drawdowns
PMSE vs. BUFM - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum PMSE drawdown since its inception was -1.44%, smaller than the maximum BUFM drawdown of -9.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PMSE and BUFM.
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Drawdown Indicators
| PMSE | BUFM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -1.44% | -9.43% | +7.99% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | — | -4.07% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.19% | -1.16% | +0.97% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -0.17% | -0.98% | +0.81% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | — | 1.12% | — |
Volatility
PMSE vs. BUFM - Volatility Comparison
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Volatility by Period
| PMSE | BUFM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | — | 2.19% | — |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | — | 4.60% | — |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 2.28% | 6.04% | -3.76% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 2.28% | 9.40% | -7.12% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 2.28% | 9.40% | -7.12% |
PMSE vs. BUFM - Expense Ratio Comparison
PMSE has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFM's 0.69% expense ratio.
Dividends
PMSE vs. BUFM - Dividend Comparison
Neither PMSE nor BUFM has paid dividends to shareholders.
Frequently Asked Questions
PMSE and BUFM have a correlation of 0.80, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
On fees, PMSE is cheaper at 0.50% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
PMSE is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.69% for BUFM.
PMSE and BUFM have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.
They also come from different issuers: PGIM and AllianceBernstein. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for PMSE and 0.69% for BUFM.
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