PMFB vs VTI
PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - February vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PMFB | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $6M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +3.61% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.72% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -2.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
PMFB vs VTI Performance
PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - February (PMFB) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PMFB returned +6.72% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, PMFB is up 3.61% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 2.5% for PMFB. 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 -2.9% for PMFB and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PMFB charges 0.50% per year while VTI 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, PMFB currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PMFB or VTI?
PMFB has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PMFB or VTI?
Over the past year PMFB returned +6.72% vs +22.19% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PMFB annualized +6.60% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PMFB or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 2.5% for PMFB. Worst drawdown: PMFB -2.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both PMFB and VTI?
PMFB and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, 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, PMFB or VTI?
PMFB yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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