PBAU vs SPY
PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - August vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PBAU | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $39M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +7.12% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.88% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 10, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
PBAU vs SPY Performance
PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - August (PBAU) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year PBAU returned +10.88% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, PBAU is up 7.12% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 4.8% for PBAU. 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 -8.9% for PBAU and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PBAU charges 0.50% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $9 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PBAU currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PBAU or SPY?
PBAU has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PBAU or SPY?
Over the past year PBAU returned +10.88% vs +21.71% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PBAU annualized +11.58% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PBAU or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 4.8% for PBAU. Worst drawdown: PBAU -8.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both PBAU and SPY?
PBAU and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, 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, PBAU or SPY?
PBAU yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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