RSPE vs. PBFR

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

RSPE (Invesco ESG S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF) and PBFR (PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - RSPE is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Equal Weight ESG Leaders Select Index, while PBFR is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by PGIM. RSPE is passively managed, while PBFR is actively managed. Over the past year, RSPE returned 26.55% vs 12.83% for PBFR. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. RSPE charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for PBFR.

Performance

RSPE vs. PBFR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco ESG S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (RSPE) and PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF (PBFR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RSPE achieves a 12.08% return, which is significantly higher than PBFR's 4.52% return.

RSPE

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: 6.26%
• YTD: 12.08%
• 6M: 13.64%
• 1Y: 26.55%
• 3Y*: 16.43%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PBFR

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: 1.58%
• YTD: 4.52%
• 6M: 5.34%
• 1Y: 12.83%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

RSPE vs. PBFR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
RSPE Invesco ESG S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF	12.08%	14.58%	6.01%
PBFR PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF	4.52%	10.44%	5.53%

Correlation

The correlation between RSPE and PBFR is 0.74, 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	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 14, 2024	0.74

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

RSPE vs. PBFR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RSPE	PBFR
Technology	21.3%	36.2%
Financial Services	15.3%	11.9%
Industrials	14.7%	8.1%
Healthcare	12.9%	8.4%
Consumer Cyclical	10.0%	10.1%
Consumer Defensive	7.3%	4.9%
Real Estate	6.5%	1.9%
Basic Materials	5.0%	1.8%
Communication Services	3.7%	10.9%
Utilities	3.1%	2.3%
Energy	-	3.5%

Return for Risk

RSPE vs. PBFR — Risk / Return Rank

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

RSPE

RSPE Risk / Return Rank: 63
RSPE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
RSPE Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
RSPE Omega Ratio Rank: 60
RSPE Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
RSPE Martin Ratio Rank: 65

PBFR

PBFR Risk / Return Rank: 90
PBFR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
PBFR Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
PBFR Omega Ratio Rank: 93
PBFR Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
PBFR Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

RSPE vs. PBFR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco ESG S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (RSPE) and PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF (PBFR). 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.

	RSPE	PBFR	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.12	2.99	-0.87
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.02	4.36	-1.34
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.66	-0.29
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.98	4.57	-1.59
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	11.80	24.09	-12.29
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

RSPE vs. PBFR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RSPE Sharpe Ratio is 2.12, which is comparable to the PBFR Sharpe Ratio of 2.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RSPE and PBFR, 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

	RSPE	PBFR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.12	2.99	-0.87
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.51	1.54	-1.04

Drawdowns

RSPE vs. PBFR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RSPE drawdown since its inception was -22.93%, which is greater than PBFR's maximum drawdown of -8.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RSPE and PBFR.

Drawdown Indicators

	RSPE	PBFR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.93%	-8.50%	-14.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.95%	-2.82%	-6.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.58%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.17%	-0.16%	-0.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.06%	-0.63%	-5.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.26%	0.53%	+1.73%

Volatility

RSPE vs. PBFR - Volatility Comparison

Invesco ESG S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (RSPE) has a higher volatility of 2.97% compared to PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF (PBFR) at 0.64%. This indicates that RSPE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PBFR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RSPE	PBFR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.97%	0.64%	+2.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.08%	3.34%	+5.74%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.62%	4.33%	+8.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.75%	6.89%	+9.86%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.75%	6.89%	+9.86%

RSPE vs. PBFR - Expense Ratio Comparison

RSPE has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than PBFR's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

RSPE vs. PBFR - Dividend Comparison

RSPE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.47%, more than PBFR's 0.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
PBFR PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF	0.01%	0.01%	0.01%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
RSPE Invesco ESG S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF	1.47%	1.63%	1.57%	1.91%	1.83%	0.29%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RSPE and PBFR in my portfolio?

RSPE and PBFR have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RSPE or PBFR?

RSPE has higher volatility (2.97%) compared to PBFR (0.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RSPE dropped -22.93% vs PBFR's -8.50%.

Which ETF is better, RSPE or PBFR?

On 1-year performance, RSPE leads with 26.55% vs 12.83% for PBFR. On fees, RSPE is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, PBFR has been the lower-risk option at 0.64%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RSPE or PBFR?

Over the 1-year period, RSPE has performed better with a 26.55% return vs 12.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RSPE or PBFR?

RSPE is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for PBFR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RSPE or PBFR?

RSPE has the higher dividend yield at 1.47%, compared with 0.01% for PBFR.

What is the main difference between RSPE and PBFR?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PBFR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.99 vs 2.12), 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.