RSP vs. PMFB

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

RSP (Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF) and PMFB (PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - February) are both exchange-traded funds - RSP is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Equal Weight Index, while PMFB is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by PGIM. RSP is passively managed, while PMFB is actively managed. Over the past year, RSP returned 19.50% vs 8.32% for PMFB. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. RSP charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for PMFB.

Performance

RSP vs. PMFB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (RSP) and PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - February (PMFB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RSP achieves a 9.70% return, which is significantly higher than PMFB's 2.62% return.

RSP

• 1D: -0.38%
• 1M: 3.77%
• YTD: 9.70%
• 6M: 10.18%
• 1Y: 19.50%
• 3Y*: 15.23%
• 5Y*: 8.33%
• 10Y*: 11.86%

PMFB

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 0.70%
• YTD: 2.62%
• 6M: 3.37%
• 1Y: 8.32%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

RSP vs. PMFB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
RSP Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF	9.70%	8.12%
PMFB PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - February	2.62%	6.28%

Correlation

The correlation between RSP and PMFB 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 4, 2025	0.74

The correlation between RSP and PMFB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.70 to 0.74 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

RSP vs. PMFB — Risk / Return Rank

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

RSP

RSP Risk / Return Rank: 49
RSP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
RSP Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
RSP Omega Ratio Rank: 46
RSP Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
RSP Martin Ratio Rank: 54

PMFB

PMFB Risk / Return Rank: 95
PMFB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
PMFB Sortino Ratio Rank: 97
PMFB Omega Ratio Rank: 97
PMFB Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
PMFB 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.

RSP vs. PMFB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (RSP) and PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - February (PMFB). 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.

	RSP	PMFB	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.70	3.94	-2.25
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.47	6.34	-3.87
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.91	-0.61
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.49	6.25	-3.76
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	9.48	32.73	-23.25
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

RSP vs. PMFB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RSP Sharpe Ratio is 1.70, which is lower than the PMFB Sharpe Ratio of 3.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RSP and PMFB, 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

	RSP	PMFB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.70	3.94	-2.25
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.52	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.65	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.57	2.45	-1.89

Drawdowns

RSP vs. PMFB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RSP drawdown since its inception was -59.92%, which is greater than PMFB's maximum drawdown of -2.94%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RSP and PMFB.

Drawdown Indicators

	RSP	PMFB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.92%	-2.94%	-56.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.85%	-1.34%	-6.51%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.81%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.38%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.04%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.38%	0.00%	-0.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.65%	-0.37%	-6.28%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.06%	0.26%	+1.80%

Volatility

RSP vs. PMFB - Volatility Comparison

Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (RSP) has a higher volatility of 2.56% compared to PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - February (PMFB) at 0.40%. This indicates that RSP's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PMFB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RSP	PMFB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.56%	0.40%	+2.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.29%	1.43%	+6.86%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.56%	2.12%	+9.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.18%	2.77%	+13.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.35%	2.77%	+15.58%

RSP vs. PMFB - Expense Ratio Comparison

RSP has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than PMFB's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

RSP vs. PMFB - Dividend Comparison

RSP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.49%, while PMFB has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PMFB PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - February	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
RSP Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF	1.49%	1.64%	1.52%	1.64%	1.82%	1.28%	1.64%	1.69%	2.02%	1.52%	1.20%	1.70%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RSP and PMFB in my portfolio?

RSP and PMFB 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 is riskier, RSP or PMFB?

RSP has higher volatility (2.56%) compared to PMFB (0.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RSP dropped -59.92% vs PMFB's -2.94%.

Which ETF is better, RSP or PMFB?

On 1-year performance, RSP leads with 19.50% vs 8.32% for PMFB. On fees, RSP is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, PMFB has been the lower-risk option at 0.40%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RSP or PMFB?

Over the 1-year period, RSP has performed better with a 19.50% return vs 8.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RSP or PMFB?

RSP is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for PMFB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RSP or PMFB?

RSP has the higher dividend yield at 1.49%, compared with 0.00% for PMFB.

What is the main difference between RSP and PMFB?

RSP is categorized as S&P 500, while PMFB is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and PGIM. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for RSP and 0.50% for PMFB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PMFB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.94 vs 1.70), 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.