RBUF vs. PMSE

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

RBUF (Innovator U.S. Small Cap 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly) and PMSE (PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - September) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. RBUF charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for PMSE.

Performance

RBUF vs. PMSE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Innovator U.S. Small Cap 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (RBUF) 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, RBUF achieves a 7.01% return, which is significantly higher than PMSE's 2.81% return.

RBUF

• 1D: 0.06%
• 1M: 0.89%
• YTD: 7.01%
• 6M: 4.68%
• 1Y: 14.68%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PMSE

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: 0.19%
• YTD: 2.81%
• 6M: 2.84%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

RBUF vs. PMSE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
RBUF Innovator U.S. Small Cap 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly	7.01%	2.50%
PMSE PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - September	2.81%	2.13%

Correlation

The correlation between RBUF and PMSE is 0.70, 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 2, 2025	0.70

Return for Risk

RBUF vs. PMSE — Risk / Return Rank

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

RBUF

RBUF Risk / Return Rank: 87
RBUF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
RBUF Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
RBUF Omega Ratio Rank: 87
RBUF Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
RBUF Martin Ratio Rank: 92

PMSE

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.

RBUF vs. PMSE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Innovator U.S. Small Cap 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (RBUF) 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.

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.

	RBUF	PMSE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.40	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.50	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.77	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.23	—	—

Drawdowns

RBUF vs. PMSE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RBUF drawdown since its inception was -11.36%, which is greater than PMSE's maximum drawdown of -1.44%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RBUF and PMSE.

Drawdown Indicators

	RBUF	PMSE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.36%	-1.44%	-9.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.09%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.15%	+0.15%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.31%	-0.17%	-1.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.73%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	RBUF	PMSE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.71%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.94%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.17%	2.28%	+3.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.62%	2.28%	+6.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.62%	2.28%	+6.34%

RBUF vs. PMSE - Expense Ratio Comparison

RBUF has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than PMSE's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

RBUF vs. PMSE - Dividend Comparison

Neither RBUF nor PMSE has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RBUF and PMSE in my portfolio?

RBUF and PMSE have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, RBUF 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, RBUF or PMSE?

PMSE is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for RBUF.

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

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

What is the main difference between RBUF and PMSE?

They also come from different issuers: Innovator and PGIM. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for RBUF and 0.50% for PMSE.