Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPMMYVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.50%0.05%
AUM$5M$156.5B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.60%
Holdings68,747
YTD Return+3.03%+14.57%
1Y Return+5.40%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)-+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)0.9%15.1%
Max Drawdown-0.6%-39.9%
Fund FamilyPGIM InvestmentsVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionApr 30, 2025Jan 26, 2011

PMMY vs VXUS Performance

PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - May (PMMY) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PMMY returned +5.40% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, PMMY is up 3.03% 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 0.9% for PMMY. 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 -0.6% for PMMY 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PMMY 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, PMMY currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, PMMY or VXUS?

PMMY 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, PMMY or VXUS?

Over the past year PMMY returned +5.40% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), PMMY annualized +6.11% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PMMY or VXUS?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 0.9% for PMMY. Worst drawdown: PMMY -0.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both PMMY and VXUS?

PMMY and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, PMMY or VXUS?

PMMY yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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