PMSE vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPMSESPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.50%0.09%
AUM$4M$789.1B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.01%
Holdings6505
YTD Return+3.98%+14.47%
1Y Return+6.29%+21.96%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.70%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.30%
Volatility (annualized)-15.3%
Max Drawdown-1.4%-56.5%
Fund FamilyPGIM InvestmentsState Street Investment Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionSep 1, 2025Jan 22, 1993

PMSE vs SPY Performance

PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - September (PMSE) 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 PMSE returned +6.29% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, PMSE is up 3.98% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -1.4% for PMSE and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PMSE 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, PMSE currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, PMSE or SPY?

PMSE 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, PMSE or SPY?

Over the past year PMSE returned +6.29% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which pays a higher dividend, PMSE or SPY?

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

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