PMJA vs VYM
PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - January 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 | PMJA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $6M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +3.39% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.53% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 31, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
PMJA vs VYM Performance
PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - January (PMJA) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PMJA returned +6.53% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, PMJA is up 3.39% 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 2.4% for PMJA. 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 -3.0% for PMJA 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PMJA 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, PMJA currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PMJA or VYM?
PMJA 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, PMJA or VYM?
Over the past year PMJA returned +6.53% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PMJA annualized +6.46% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PMJA or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 2.4% for PMJA. Worst drawdown: PMJA -3.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both PMJA and VYM?
PMJA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, PMJA or VYM?
PMJA yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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