RB vs. DMAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

RB (ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF) and DMAX (iShares Large Cap Max Buffer December ETF) are both Defined Outcome funds - RB tracks the Russell 2000 while DMAX tracks the S&P 500 Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.52 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. RB charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for DMAX.

Performance

RB vs. DMAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (RB) and iShares Large Cap Max Buffer December ETF (DMAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RB achieves a 8.33% return, which is significantly higher than DMAX's 2.19% return.

RB

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: 1.83%
• YTD: 8.33%
• 6M: 8.01%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DMAX

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: 0.07%
• YTD: 2.19%
• 6M: 2.35%
• 1Y: 7.75%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

RB vs. DMAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
RB ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF	8.33%	10.85%
DMAX iShares Large Cap Max Buffer December ETF	2.19%	5.09%

Correlation

The correlation between RB and DMAX is 0.52, 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 Jun 26, 2025	0.52

Return for Risk

RB vs. DMAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

RB

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

DMAX

DMAX Risk / Return Rank: 94
DMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
DMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
DMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 95
DMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
DMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 95

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.

RB vs. DMAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (RB) and iShares Large Cap Max Buffer December ETF (DMAX). 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.

	RB	DMAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	3.35	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	5.12	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.70	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	5.51	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	27.58	—

Drawdowns

RB vs. DMAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RB drawdown since its inception was -2.09%, smaller than the maximum DMAX drawdown of -3.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RB and DMAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	RB	DMAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.09%	-3.37%	+1.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-1.41%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.14%	-0.38%	+0.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.43%	-0.38%	-0.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.28%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	RB	DMAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.65%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	1.65%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.55%	2.34%	+4.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.55%	3.38%	+3.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	6.55%	3.38%	+3.17%

RB vs. DMAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

RB has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is higher than DMAX's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

RB vs. DMAX - Dividend Comparison

RB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.97%, more than DMAX's 1.15% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
DMAX iShares Large Cap Max Buffer December ETF	1.15%	1.18%
RB ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF	1.97%	1.78%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RB and DMAX in my portfolio?

RB and DMAX have a correlation of 0.52, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, RB or DMAX?

On fees, DMAX 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, RB or DMAX?

DMAX is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for RB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RB or DMAX?

RB has the higher dividend yield at 1.97%, compared with 1.15% for DMAX.

What is the main difference between RB and DMAX?

RB tracks Russell 2000, while DMAX tracks S&P 500 Index. They also come from different issuers: ProShares and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for RB and 0.50% for DMAX.