MRCP vs ZMAR
PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF - March vs Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr March
Which is better, MRCP or ZMAR?
Nearly the same fund. MRCP costs less.
MRCP has a lower expense ratio. MRCP led over 1Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.96.
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 | MRCP | ZMAR |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50%Best | 0.79% |
| AUM | $30M | $112M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 16 | 21 |
| YTD Return | +10.54%Best | +4.32% |
| 1Y Return | +14.01%Best | +6.04% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.4% | 1.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -9.8% | -2.3%Best |
| $10,000 over 1.6 years | $12,395Best | $11,053 |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Innovator ETFs Trust |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Feb 29, 2024 | Mar 3, 2025 |
Not shown on this pair: 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.6 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 3, 2025 to Oct 14, 2026 (1.6 years).
MRCP vs ZMAR 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 1.6 years both funds cover.
MRCP vs ZMAR Performance
PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF - March (MRCP) is an ETF from PGIM Investments and Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr March (ZMAR) is an ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year MRCP returned +14.01% while ZMAR returned +6.04%. Year to date, MRCP is up 10.54% versus a gain of 4.32% for ZMAR.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MRCP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 6.4% compared with 1.8% for ZMAR. 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 -9.8% for MRCP and -2.3% for ZMAR. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MRCP charges 0.50% per year while ZMAR charges 0.79%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $79 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MRCP currently yields 0.00% against 0.00% for ZMAR.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of MRCP and ZMAR 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, MRCP or ZMAR?
MRCP has an expense ratio of 0.50% while ZMAR charges 0.79%. MRCP is the cheaper option, by $29 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, MRCP or ZMAR?
Over the past year MRCP returned +14.01% vs +6.04% for ZMAR, so MRCP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), MRCP annualized +14.36% vs +6.46% for ZMAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, MRCP or ZMAR?
MRCP has been the more volatile fund at 6.4% annualized versus 1.8% for ZMAR. Worst drawdown: MRCP -9.8% vs ZMAR -2.3%.
Should I hold both MRCP and ZMAR?
MRCP and ZMAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, MRCP or ZMAR?
MRCP yields 0.00% while ZMAR yields 0.00%, so ZMAR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is ZMAR better than MRCP?
MRCP has a lower expense ratio. MRCP led over 1Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.96. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.