PMAU vs VYM
PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - August 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 | PMAU | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $3M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +4.54% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.38% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 31, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
PMAU vs VYM Performance
PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - August (PMAU) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PMAU returned +7.38% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, PMAU is up 4.54% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 2.5% for PMAU. 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 -1.8% for PMAU 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PMAU 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, PMAU currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PMAU or VYM?
PMAU 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, PMAU or VYM?
Over the past year PMAU returned +7.38% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), PMAU annualized +7.45% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PMAU or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 2.5% for PMAU. Worst drawdown: PMAU -1.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both PMAU and VYM?
PMAU and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, PMAU or VYM?
PMAU yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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