Quick Verdict

VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: VOOHigher Returns: VOOMore Diversified: VOO

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPBFBVOOWinner
Expense Ratio0.50%0.03%
AUM$38M$979.0B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.09%
Holdings7509
YTD Return+6.41%+13.80%
1Y Return+11.88%+23.71%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.50%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.44%
Volatility (annualized)4.5%14.1%
Max Drawdown-8.7%-34.3%
Fund FamilyPGIM InvestmentsVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionFeb 1, 2024Sep 7, 2010

PBFB vs VOO Performance

PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - February (PBFB) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PBFB returned +11.88% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, PBFB is up 6.41% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 4.5% for PBFB. 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 -8.7% for PBFB and -34.3% for VOO. 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

PBFB charges 0.50% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $3 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PBFB currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, PBFB or VOO?

PBFB has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.

Which performed better, PBFB or VOO?

Over the past year PBFB returned +11.88% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), PBFB annualized +10.53% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PBFB or VOO?

VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 4.5% for PBFB. Worst drawdown: PBFB -8.7% vs VOO -34.3%.

Should I hold both PBFB and VOO?

PBFB and VOO 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, PBFB or VOO?

PBFB yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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