PSDM vs. PMJA

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

PSDM (PGIM Short Duration Multi-Sector Bond ETF) and PMJA (PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - January) are both exchange-traded funds - PSDM is a Multisector Bonds fund actively managed by PGIM, while PMJA is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by PGIM. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, PSDM returned 5.16% vs 7.69% for PMJA. At a 0.15 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. PSDM charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for PMJA.

Performance

PSDM vs. PMJA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM Short Duration Multi-Sector Bond ETF (PSDM) and PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - January (PMJA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PSDM achieves a 1.23% return, which is significantly lower than PMJA's 2.35% return.

PSDM

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: 0.20%
• YTD: 1.23%
• 6M: 1.61%
• 1Y: 5.16%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PMJA

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: 0.79%
• YTD: 2.35%
• 6M: 2.84%
• 1Y: 7.69%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

PSDM vs. PMJA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
PSDM PGIM Short Duration Multi-Sector Bond ETF	1.23%	6.19%
PMJA PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - January	2.35%	6.89%

Correlation

The correlation between PSDM and PMJA is 0.26, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.26
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2025	0.15

The correlation between PSDM and PMJA shifts across timeframes, from 0.15 (all time) to 0.26 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

PSDM vs. PMJA — Risk / Return Rank

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

PSDM

PSDM Risk / Return Rank: 89
PSDM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
PSDM Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
PSDM Omega Ratio Rank: 93
PSDM Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
PSDM Martin Ratio Rank: 88

PMJA

PMJA Risk / Return Rank: 94
PMJA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
PMJA Sortino Ratio Rank: 97
PMJA Omega Ratio Rank: 97
PMJA Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
PMJA Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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.

PSDM vs. PMJA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM Short Duration Multi-Sector Bond ETF (PSDM) and PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - January (PMJA). 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.

	PSDM	PMJA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.96	3.80	-0.84
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	5.06	6.16	-1.10
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.64	1.88	-0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.35	5.32	-0.96
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.69	26.64	-6.94
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PSDM vs. PMJA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PSDM Sharpe Ratio is 2.96, which is comparable to the PMJA Sharpe Ratio of 3.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PSDM and PMJA, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	PSDM	PMJA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.96	3.80	-0.84
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.97	2.32	+0.65

Drawdowns

PSDM vs. PMJA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PSDM drawdown since its inception was -1.19%, smaller than the maximum PMJA drawdown of -2.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PSDM and PMJA.

Drawdown Indicators

	PSDM	PMJA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.19%	-2.98%	+1.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.19%	-1.45%	+0.26%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.16%	-0.04%	-0.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.17%	-0.34%	+0.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.26%	0.29%	-0.03%

Volatility

PSDM vs. PMJA - Volatility Comparison

PGIM Short Duration Multi-Sector Bond ETF (PSDM) has a higher volatility of 0.53% compared to PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - January (PMJA) at 0.33%. This indicates that PSDM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PMJA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PSDM	PMJA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.53%	0.33%	+0.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.28%	1.49%	-0.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.75%	2.04%	-0.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.01%	2.85%	-0.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.01%	2.85%	-0.84%

PSDM vs. PMJA - Expense Ratio Comparison

PSDM has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is lower than PMJA's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

PSDM vs. PMJA - Dividend Comparison

PSDM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.85%, while PMJA has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
PMJA PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - January	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
PSDM PGIM Short Duration Multi-Sector Bond ETF	4.85%	4.57%	5.17%	2.91%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PSDM and PMJA in my portfolio?

PSDM and PMJA have a correlation of 0.26, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PSDM or PMJA?

PSDM has higher volatility (0.53%) compared to PMJA (0.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PSDM dropped -1.19% vs PMJA's -2.98%.

Which ETF is better, PSDM or PMJA?

On 1-year performance, PMJA leads with 7.69% vs 5.16% for PSDM. On fees, PSDM is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, PMJA has been the lower-risk option at 0.33%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PSDM or PMJA?

Over the 1-year period, PMJA has performed better with a 7.69% return vs 5.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PSDM or PMJA?

PSDM is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for PMJA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PSDM or PMJA?

PSDM has the higher dividend yield at 4.85%, compared with 0.00% for PMJA.

What is the main difference between PSDM and PMJA?

PSDM is categorized as Multisector Bonds, while PMJA is Defined Outcome. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for PSDM and 0.50% for PMJA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PMJA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.80 vs 2.96), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.