IVV vs PMJL
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - July
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | PMJL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.50% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $6M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +12.28% | +3.97% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.94% | +6.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.81% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 2.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -1.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | PGIM Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jun 30, 2025 |
IVV vs PMJL Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - July (PMJL) is a ETF from PGIM Investments. Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% while PMJL returned +6.48%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.28% versus a gain of 3.97% for PMJL.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 2.0% for PMJL. 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 -1.5% for PMJL. 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 PMJL 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 1.10% against 0.00% for PMJL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or PMJL?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while PMJL 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 PMJL?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% vs +6.48% for PMJL, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), IVV annualized +6.98% vs +6.58% for PMJL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or PMJL?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 2.0% for PMJL. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs PMJL -1.5%.
Should I hold both IVV and PMJL?
IVV and PMJL 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 PMJL?
IVV yields 1.10% while PMJL yields 0.00%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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