PSCQ vs. PMDE

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

PSCQ (Pacer Swan SOS Conservative (October) ETF) and PMDE (PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - December) are both exchange-traded funds - PSCQ is a Options Trading fund actively managed by Pacer, while PMDE is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY). PSCQ is actively managed, while PMDE is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PSCQ charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for PMDE.

Performance

PSCQ vs. PMDE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer Swan SOS Conservative (October) ETF (PSCQ) and PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - December (PMDE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PSCQ achieves a 6.46% return, which is significantly higher than PMDE's 3.12% return.

PSCQ

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: 1.42%
• 6M: 5.58%
• YTD: 6.46%
• 1Y: 12.81%
• 3Y*: 12.31%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PMDE

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 0.60%
• 6M: 2.74%
• YTD: 3.12%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PSCQ vs. PMDE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PSCQ Pacer Swan SOS Conservative (October) ETF	6.46%	0.56%
PMDE PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - December	3.12%	0.44%

Correlation

The correlation between PSCQ and PMDE 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 Dec 1, 2025	0.86

Return for Risk

PSCQ vs. PMDE — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSCQ

PSCQ Risk / Return Rank: 83
PSCQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
PSCQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
PSCQ Omega Ratio Rank: 88
PSCQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
PSCQ Martin Ratio Rank: 85

PMDE

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

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.

PSCQ vs. PMDE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Swan SOS Conservative (October) ETF (PSCQ) and PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - December (PMDE). 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.

	PSCQ	PMDE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.15	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.18	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.77	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.71	—	—

Drawdowns

PSCQ vs. PMDE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSCQ drawdown since its inception was -9.92%, which is greater than PMDE's maximum drawdown of -1.59%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSCQ and PMDE.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSCQ	PMDE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.92%	-1.59%	-8.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.58%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.92%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.56%	-0.24%	-1.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.92%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PSCQ	PMDE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.81%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.74%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.89%	2.40%	+3.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.54%	2.40%	+5.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.54%	2.40%	+5.14%

PSCQ vs. PMDE - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSCQ has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than PMDE's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSCQ vs. PMDE - Dividend Comparison

Neither PSCQ nor PMDE has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSCQ and PMDE in my portfolio?

PSCQ and PMDE 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, PSCQ or PMDE?

On fees, PMDE 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, PSCQ or PMDE?

PMDE is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for PSCQ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PSCQ or PMDE?

PSCQ and PMDE have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between PSCQ and PMDE?

PSCQ is categorized as Options Trading, while PMDE is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Pacer and PGIM. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for PSCQ and 0.50% for PMDE.