PMSE vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPMSEVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.50%0.03%
AUM$4M$663.5B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.07%
Holdings63,543
YTD Return+3.98%+14.96%
1Y Return+6.29%+22.39%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.51%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.36%
Volatility (annualized)-15.4%
Max Drawdown-1.4%-56.6%
Fund FamilyPGIM InvestmentsVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionSep 1, 2025May 24, 2001

PMSE vs VTI Performance

PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - September (PMSE) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PMSE returned +6.29% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, PMSE is up 3.98% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -1.4% for PMSE and -56.6% for VTI. 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 VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $3 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PMSE currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, PMSE or VTI?

PMSE has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.

Which performed better, PMSE or VTI?

Over the past year PMSE returned +6.29% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which pays a higher dividend, PMSE or VTI?

PMSE yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.