QBSF vs. PMSE

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

QBSF (AllianzIM U.S. Equity Buffer15 ETF) and PMSE (PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - September) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QBSF charges 0.64%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for PMSE.

Performance

QBSF vs. PMSE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AllianzIM U.S. Equity Buffer15 ETF (QBSF) and PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - September (PMSE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QBSF achieves a 2.42% return, which is significantly lower than PMSE's 2.86% return.

QBSF

• 1D: 0.13%
• 1M: 0.58%
• YTD: 2.42%
• 6M: 3.38%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PMSE

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 0.82%
• YTD: 2.86%
• 6M: 3.32%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QBSF vs. PMSE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
QBSF AllianzIM U.S. Equity Buffer15 ETF	2.42%	3.23%
PMSE PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - September	2.86%	2.23%

Correlation

The correlation between QBSF and PMSE is 0.77, 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	0.77

Return for Risk

QBSF vs. PMSE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AllianzIM U.S. Equity Buffer15 ETF (QBSF) and PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - September (PMSE). 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

	QBSF	PMSE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.89	3.05	-0.15

Drawdowns

QBSF vs. PMSE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QBSF drawdown since its inception was -1.58%, which is greater than PMSE's maximum drawdown of -1.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QBSF and PMSE.

Drawdown Indicators

	QBSF	PMSE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.58%	-1.44%	-0.14%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.07%	-0.00%	-0.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.22%	-0.17%	-0.05%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	QBSF	PMSE	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.74%	2.27%	+0.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.74%	2.27%	+0.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.74%	2.27%	+0.47%

QBSF vs. PMSE - Expense Ratio Comparison

QBSF has a 0.64% expense ratio, which is higher than PMSE's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

QBSF vs. PMSE - Dividend Comparison

Neither QBSF nor PMSE has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QBSF and PMSE in my portfolio?

QBSF and PMSE have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, QBSF or PMSE?

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, QBSF or PMSE?

PMSE is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.64% for QBSF.

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

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

What is the main difference between QBSF and PMSE?

They also come from different issuers: AllianzIM and PGIM. Their fees differ too: 0.64% for QBSF and 0.50% for PMSE.