PMSE vs. DDTL

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PMSE (PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - September) and DDTL (Innovator Equity Dual Directional 10 Buffer ETF - July) are both Defined Outcome funds. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PMSE charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for DDTL.

Performance

PMSE vs. DDTL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - September (PMSE) and Innovator Equity Dual Directional 10 Buffer ETF - July (DDTL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PMSE achieves a 2.85% return, which is significantly lower than DDTL's 4.57% return.

PMSE

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.94%
• YTD: 2.85%
• 6M: 3.28%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DDTL

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 1.32%
• YTD: 4.57%
• 6M: 5.34%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PMSE vs. DDTL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PMSE PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - September	2.85%	2.23%
DDTL Innovator Equity Dual Directional 10 Buffer ETF - July	4.57%	4.00%

Correlation

The correlation between PMSE and DDTL is 0.71, 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 3, 2025	0.71

Return for Risk

PMSE vs. DDTL - 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 Innovator Equity Dual Directional 10 Buffer ETF - July (DDTL). 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

	PMSE	DDTL	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	3.05	2.27	+0.77

Drawdowns

PMSE vs. DDTL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PMSE drawdown since its inception was -1.44%, smaller than the maximum DDTL drawdown of -3.78%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PMSE and DDTL.

Drawdown Indicators

	PMSE	DDTL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.44%	-3.78%	+2.34%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.02%	0.00%	-0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.17%	-0.40%	+0.23%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PMSE	DDTL	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.28%	5.46%	-3.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.28%	5.46%	-3.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.28%	5.46%	-3.18%

PMSE vs. DDTL - Expense Ratio Comparison

PMSE has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than DDTL's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

PMSE vs. DDTL - Dividend Comparison

Neither PMSE nor DDTL has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PMSE and DDTL in my portfolio?

PMSE and DDTL have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, PMSE or DDTL?

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.

Which ETF is cheaper, PMSE or DDTL?

PMSE is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for DDTL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PMSE or DDTL?

PMSE and DDTL have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between PMSE and DDTL?

They also come from different issuers: PGIM and Innovator. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for PMSE and 0.79% for DDTL.