STEN vs. PMOC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

STEN (iShares Large Cap 10% Target Buffer Sep ETF) and PMOC (PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - October) are both Defined Outcome funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.50% expense ratio.

Performance

STEN vs. PMOC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Large Cap 10% Target Buffer Sep ETF (STEN) and PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - October (PMOC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, STEN achieves a 6.53% return, which is significantly higher than PMOC's 2.77% return.

STEN

• 1D: -0.86%
• 1M: -0.34%
• YTD: 6.53%
• 6M: 6.05%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

PMOC

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: 0.25%
• YTD: 2.77%
• 6M: 2.75%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

STEN vs. PMOC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
STEN iShares Large Cap 10% Target Buffer Sep ETF	6.53%	2.36%
PMOC PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - October	2.77%	0.93%

Correlation

The correlation between STEN and PMOC is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 1, 2025	0.91

Return for Risk

STEN vs. PMOC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Large Cap 10% Target Buffer Sep ETF (STEN) and PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - October (PMOC). 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.

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

Drawdowns

STEN vs. PMOC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum STEN drawdown since its inception was -6.21%, which is greater than PMOC's maximum drawdown of -1.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for STEN and PMOC.

Drawdown Indicators

	STEN	PMOC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.21%	-1.50%	-4.71%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.47%	-0.19%	-1.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.93%	-0.21%	-0.72%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	STEN	PMOC	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.46%	2.40%	+7.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	9.46%	2.40%	+7.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	9.46%	2.40%	+7.06%

STEN vs. PMOC - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both STEN and PMOC have an expense ratio of 0.50%.

Dividends

STEN vs. PMOC - Dividend Comparison

STEN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.29%, while PMOC has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
PMOC PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - October	0.00%	0.00%
STEN iShares Large Cap 10% Target Buffer Sep ETF	0.29%	0.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both STEN and PMOC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, STEN and PMOC move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, STEN or PMOC?

Both ETFs have the same 0.50% expense ratio. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, STEN or PMOC?

STEN and PMOC have the same expense ratio: 0.50% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, STEN or PMOC?

STEN has the higher dividend yield at 0.29%, compared with 0.00% for PMOC.

What is the main difference between STEN and PMOC?

They also come from different issuers: BlackRock and PGIM.