IVV vs PMAU
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - August
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | PMAU | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.50% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $3M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +14.50% | +4.76% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.02% | +7.21% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.80% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.37% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 2.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -1.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | PGIM Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jul 31, 2025 |
IVV vs PMAU Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - August (PMAU) is a ETF from PGIM Investments. Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% while PMAU returned +7.21%. Year to date, IVV is up 14.50% versus a gain of 4.76% for PMAU.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 2.5% for PMAU. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -56.5% for IVV and -1.8% for PMAU. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while PMAU charges 0.50%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $50 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.00% for PMAU.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or PMAU?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while PMAU charges 0.50%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or PMAU?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% vs +7.21% for PMAU, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), IVV annualized +7.07% vs +7.62% for PMAU. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or PMAU?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 2.5% for PMAU. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs PMAU -1.8%.
Should I hold both IVV and PMAU?
IVV and PMAU have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or PMAU?
IVV yields 1.09% while PMAU yields 0.00%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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