PBAP vs VYM
PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - April vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PBAP | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $34M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +8.30% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.94% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 29, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
PBAP vs VYM Performance
PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - April (PBAP) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PBAP returned +11.94% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, PBAP is up 8.30% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 4.6% for PBAP. 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 -9.7% for PBAP and -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PBAP charges 0.50% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $4 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PBAP currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PBAP or VYM?
PBAP has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PBAP or VYM?
Over the past year PBAP returned +11.94% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PBAP annualized +10.09% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PBAP or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 4.6% for PBAP. Worst drawdown: PBAP -9.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both PBAP and VYM?
PBAP and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, PBAP or VYM?
PBAP yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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