PMJN vs SPY

PMJN vs SPY
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Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPMJNSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.50%0.09%
AUM$10M$821.1B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.01%
Holdings6505
YTD Return+3.06%+12.22%
1Y Return+5.40%+20.83%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.70%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.98%
Volatility (annualized)1.6%15.3%
Max Drawdown-1.1%-56.5%
Fund FamilyPGIM InvestmentsState Street Investment Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJun 1, 2025Jan 22, 1993

PMJN vs SPY Performance

PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - June (PMJN) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year PMJN returned +5.40% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, PMJN is up 3.06% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 1.6% for PMJN. 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 -1.1% for PMJN and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PMJN charges 0.50% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $9 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PMJN currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, PMJN or SPY?

PMJN has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.

Which performed better, PMJN or SPY?

Over the past year PMJN returned +5.40% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), PMJN annualized +6.09% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PMJN or SPY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 1.6% for PMJN. Worst drawdown: PMJN -1.1% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both PMJN and SPY?

PMJN and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, PMJN or SPY?

PMJN yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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