PMSE vs. PTRB

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

PMSE (PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - September) and PTRB (PGIM Total Return Bond ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PMSE is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by PGIM, while PTRB is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund actively managed by PGIM. Both are actively managed. At a 0.34 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. PMSE charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for PTRB.

Performance

PMSE vs. PTRB - 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 Total Return Bond ETF (PTRB). 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 higher than PTRB's 1.06% return.

PMSE

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

PTRB

• 1D: 0.48%
• 1M: 1.22%
• YTD: 1.06%
• 6M: 1.02%
• 1Y: 4.96%
• 3Y*: 5.27%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PMSE vs. PTRB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PMSE PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - September	2.77%	2.13%
PTRB PGIM Total Return Bond ETF	1.06%	2.25%

Correlation

The correlation between PMSE and PTRB is 0.34, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 2, 2025	0.34

Return for Risk

PMSE vs. PTRB — 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.

PTRB

PTRB Risk / Return Rank: 37
PTRB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
PTRB Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
PTRB Omega Ratio Rank: 36
PTRB Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
PTRB Martin Ratio Rank: 36

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. PTRB - 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 Total Return Bond ETF (PTRB). 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	PTRB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.25	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.83	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.22	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	1.72	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	4.84	—

Drawdowns

PMSE vs. PTRB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PMSE drawdown since its inception was -1.44%, smaller than the maximum PTRB drawdown of -19.17%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PMSE and PTRB.

Drawdown Indicators

	PMSE	PTRB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.44%	-19.17%	+17.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-2.90%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-5.52%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.19%	-0.89%	+0.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.17%	-7.56%	+7.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.03%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PMSE	PTRB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	1.45%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	3.05%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.28%	4.01%	-1.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.28%	6.24%	-3.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.28%	6.24%	-3.96%

PMSE vs. PTRB - Expense Ratio Comparison

PMSE has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than PTRB's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

PMSE vs. PTRB - Dividend Comparison

PMSE has not paid dividends to shareholders, while PTRB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.70%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
PMSE PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - September	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
PTRB PGIM Total Return Bond ETF	4.70%	4.73%	5.10%	4.62%	4.07%	0.12%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PMSE and PTRB in my portfolio?

PMSE and PTRB have a correlation of 0.34, 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 PTRB?

On fees, PTRB is cheaper at 0.49% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, PMSE or PTRB?

PTRB is cheaper with a 0.49% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for PMSE.

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

PTRB has the higher dividend yield at 4.70%, compared with 0.00% for PMSE.

What is the main difference between PMSE and PTRB?

PMSE is categorized as Defined Outcome, while PTRB is Intermediate Core-Plus Bond. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for PMSE and 0.49% for PTRB.