IVV vs PMJA
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - January
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 | PMJA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.50% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $6M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +13.43% | +3.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.61% | +6.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.47% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.26% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 2.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -3.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | PGIM Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Dec 31, 2024 |
IVV vs PMJA Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - January (PMJA) is a ETF from PGIM Investments. Over the past year IVV returned +22.61% while PMJA returned +6.53%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.43% versus a gain of 3.39% for PMJA.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 2.4% for PMJA. 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 -3.0% for PMJA. 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 PMJA 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 PMJA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or PMJA?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while PMJA 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 PMJA?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.61% vs +6.53% for PMJA, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IVV annualized +7.03% vs +6.46% for PMJA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or PMJA?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 2.4% for PMJA. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs PMJA -3.0%.
Should I hold both IVV and PMJA?
IVV and PMJA 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 PMJA?
IVV yields 1.09% while PMJA yields 0.00%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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