VOOG vs. PMJA

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VOOG (Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF) and PMJA (PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - January) are both exchange-traded funds - VOOG is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Growth Index, while PMJA is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by PGIM. VOOG is passively managed, while PMJA is actively managed. Over the past year, VOOG returned 26.86% vs 7.11% for PMJA. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VOOG charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for PMJA.

Performance

VOOG vs. PMJA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF (VOOG) and PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - January (PMJA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VOOG achieves a 8.71% return, which is significantly higher than PMJA's 2.26% return.

VOOG

• 1D: -2.34%
• 1M: -2.03%
• YTD: 8.71%
• 6M: 7.44%
• 1Y: 26.86%
• 3Y*: 25.47%
• 5Y*: 14.06%
• 10Y*: 18.00%

PMJA

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: 0.14%
• YTD: 2.26%
• 6M: 2.38%
• 1Y: 7.11%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VOOG vs. PMJA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VOOG Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF	8.71%	22.11%
PMJA PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - January	2.26%	6.76%

Correlation

The correlation between VOOG and PMJA is 0.85, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2025	0.87

The correlation between VOOG and PMJA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VOOG vs. PMJA — Risk / Return Rank

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

VOOG

VOOG Risk / Return Rank: 45
VOOG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
VOOG Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
VOOG Omega Ratio Rank: 44
VOOG Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
VOOG Martin Ratio Rank: 48

PMJA

PMJA Risk / Return Rank: 94
PMJA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
PMJA Sortino Ratio Rank: 97
PMJA Omega Ratio Rank: 96
PMJA Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
PMJA Martin Ratio Rank: 94

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.

VOOG vs. PMJA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF (VOOG) and PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - January (PMJA). 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.

	VOOG	PMJA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.59	3.53	-1.94
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.17	5.63	-3.46
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.79	-0.51
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.97	4.91	-2.94
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.82	24.37	-16.56

VOOG vs. PMJA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VOOG Sharpe Ratio is 1.59, which is lower than the PMJA Sharpe Ratio of 3.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VOOG and PMJA, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

VOOG vs. PMJA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VOOG drawdown since its inception was -32.73%, which is greater than PMJA's maximum drawdown of -2.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VOOG and PMJA.

Drawdown Indicators

	VOOG	PMJA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.73%	-2.98%	-29.75%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.71%	-1.45%	-12.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.18%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.73%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.73%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.49%	-0.22%	-5.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.96%	-0.33%	-4.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.45%	0.29%	+3.16%

Volatility

VOOG vs. PMJA - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF (VOOG) has a higher volatility of 7.23% compared to PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - January (PMJA) at 0.54%. This indicates that VOOG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than PMJA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VOOG	PMJA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.23%	0.54%	+6.69%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.86%	1.57%	+12.29%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.04%	2.04%	+15.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.38%	2.83%	+18.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.81%	2.83%	+17.98%

VOOG vs. PMJA - Expense Ratio Comparison

VOOG has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than PMJA's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

VOOG vs. PMJA - Dividend Comparison

VOOG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.46%, while PMJA has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PMJA PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - January	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VOOG Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF	0.46%	0.49%	0.49%	1.12%	0.93%	0.53%	0.88%	1.26%	1.34%	1.32%	1.47%	1.56%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VOOG and PMJA in my portfolio?

VOOG and PMJA have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VOOG or PMJA?

VOOG has higher volatility (7.23%) compared to PMJA (0.54%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VOOG dropped -32.73% vs PMJA's -2.98%.

Which ETF is better, VOOG or PMJA?

On 1-year performance, VOOG leads with 26.86% vs 7.11% for PMJA. On fees, VOOG is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, PMJA has been the lower-risk option at 0.54%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VOOG or PMJA?

Over the 1-year period, VOOG has performed better with a 26.86% return vs 7.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VOOG or PMJA?

VOOG is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for PMJA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VOOG or PMJA?

VOOG has the higher dividend yield at 0.46%, compared with 0.00% for PMJA.

What is the main difference between VOOG and PMJA?

VOOG is categorized as S&P 500, while PMJA is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and PGIM. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for VOOG and 0.50% for PMJA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PMJA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.53 vs 1.59), 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.