FMAR vs PMFB
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - March vs PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - February
Which is better, FMAR or PMFB?
FMAR has been ahead.
PMFB has a lower expense ratio. FMAR led over 1Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FMAR | PMFB |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.50%Best |
| AUM | $1.2B | $6M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 10 | 14 |
| YTD Return | +13.39%Best | +4.40% |
| 1Y Return | +16.31%Best | +6.33% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.66% | - |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.74% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.5% | 2.4%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -12.4% | -2.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 1.7 years | $12,285Best | $11,110 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | PGIM Investments |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Option Writing | Option Writing |
| Inception | Mar 19, 2021 | Jan 31, 2025 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.7 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Feb 3, 2025 to Oct 14, 2026 (1.7 years).
FMAR vs PMFB growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 1.7 years both funds cover.
FMAR vs PMFB Performance
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - March (FMAR) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - February (PMFB) is an ETF from PGIM Investments. Over the past year FMAR returned +16.31% while PMFB returned +6.33%. Year to date, FMAR is up 13.39% versus a gain of 4.40% for PMFB.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FMAR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 6.5% compared with 2.4% for PMFB. 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 -12.4% for FMAR and -2.9% for PMFB. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FMAR charges 0.85% per year while PMFB charges 0.50%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $50 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FMAR currently yields 0.00% against 0.00% for PMFB.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FMAR and PMFB you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FMAR or PMFB?
FMAR has an expense ratio of 0.85% while PMFB charges 0.50%. PMFB is the cheaper option, by $35 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FMAR or PMFB?
Over the past year FMAR returned +16.31% vs +6.33% for PMFB, so FMAR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), FMAR annualized +12.87% vs +6.39% for PMFB. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FMAR or PMFB?
FMAR has been the more volatile fund at 6.5% annualized versus 2.4% for PMFB. Worst drawdown: FMAR -12.4% vs PMFB -2.9%.
Should I hold both FMAR and PMFB?
FMAR and PMFB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, FMAR or PMFB?
FMAR yields 0.00% while PMFB yields 0.00%, so PMFB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is PMFB better than FMAR?
PMFB has a lower expense ratio. FMAR led over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.