PMJL vs VXUS
PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - July vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PMJL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $6M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +4.01% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.80% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 30, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PMJL vs VXUS Performance
PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - July (PMJL) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PMJL returned +6.80% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, PMJL is up 4.01% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 2.0% for PMJL. 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 -1.5% for PMJL and -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PMJL charges 0.50% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $5 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PMJL currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PMJL or VXUS?
PMJL has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PMJL or VXUS?
Over the past year PMJL returned +6.80% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), PMJL annualized +6.84% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PMJL or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 2.0% for PMJL. Worst drawdown: PMJL -1.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PMJL and VXUS?
PMJL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, PMJL or VXUS?
PMJL yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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