PMSE vs. PBMY

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

PMSE (PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - September) and PBMY (PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - May) are both Defined Outcome funds from PGIM. Both are actively managed. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.50% expense ratio.

Performance

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PMSE achieves a 2.77% return, which is significantly lower than PBMY's 3.14% return.

PMSE

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: 0.15%
• YTD: 2.77%
• 6M: 2.72%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PBMY

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: -0.25%
• YTD: 3.14%
• 6M: 3.10%
• 1Y: 8.31%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PMSE vs. PBMY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PMSE PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - September	2.77%	2.13%
PBMY PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - May	3.14%	2.76%

Correlation

The correlation between PMSE and PBMY is 0.74, 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	0.74

Return for Risk

PMSE vs. PBMY — Risk / Return Rank

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

PMSE

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

PBMY

PBMY Risk / Return Rank: 93
PBMY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
PBMY Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
PBMY Omega Ratio Rank: 94
PBMY Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
PBMY Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

PMSE vs. PBMY - 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 PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - May (PBMY). 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	PBMY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.58	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.83	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.58	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	5.67	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	31.69	—

Drawdowns

PMSE vs. PBMY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PMSE drawdown since its inception was -1.44%, smaller than the maximum PBMY drawdown of -8.11%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PMSE and PBMY.

Drawdown Indicators

	PMSE	PBMY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.44%	-8.11%	+6.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-1.47%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.19%	-0.82%	+0.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.17%	-0.40%	+0.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.26%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PMSE	PBMY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.70%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	2.74%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.28%	3.27%	-0.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.28%	7.15%	-4.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.28%	7.15%	-4.87%

PMSE vs. PBMY - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both PMSE and PBMY have an expense ratio of 0.50%.

Dividends

PMSE vs. PBMY - Dividend Comparison

PMSE has not paid dividends to shareholders, while PBMY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.07%.

Position	TTM	2025
PBMY PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - May	0.07%	0.08%
PMSE PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - September	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PMSE and PBMY in my portfolio?

PMSE and PBMY have a correlation of 0.74, 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 PBMY?

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, PMSE or PBMY?

PMSE and PBMY have the same expense ratio: 0.50% per year.

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

PBMY has the higher dividend yield at 0.07%, compared with 0.00% for PMSE.