PMAP vs USMC
PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - April vs Principal U.S. Mega-Cap ETF
Which is better, PMAP or USMC?
USMC has been ahead.
USMC has a lower expense ratio. USMC 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 | PMAP | USMC |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.12%Best |
| AUM | $5M | $5.2B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.74% |
| Holdings | 14 | 58 |
| YTD Return | +4.90% | +13.98%Best |
| 1Y Return | +6.34% | +14.91%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +22.22% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.81% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.1%Best | 11.4% |
| Max Drawdown | -1.8%Best | -11.2% |
| $10,000 over 1.5 years | $11,032 | $13,608Best |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Principal Funds |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Mar 31, 2025 | Oct 11, 2017 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.5 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 1, 2025 to Oct 14, 2026 (1.5 years).
PMAP vs USMC 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 1.5 years both funds cover.
PMAP vs USMC Performance
PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - April (PMAP) is an ETF from PGIM Investments and Principal U.S. Mega-Cap ETF (USMC) is an ETF from Principal Funds. Over the past year PMAP returned +6.34% while USMC returned +14.91%. Year to date, PMAP is up 4.90% versus a gain of 13.98% for USMC.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
USMC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 11.4% compared with 1.1% for PMAP. 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 -1.8% for PMAP and -11.2% for USMC. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PMAP charges 0.50% per year while USMC charges 0.12%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $12 annually, a gap of $38 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PMAP currently yields 0.00% against 0.74% for USMC.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of PMAP and USMC 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, PMAP or USMC?
PMAP has an expense ratio of 0.50% while USMC charges 0.12%. USMC is the cheaper option, by $38 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, PMAP or USMC?
Over the past year PMAP returned +6.34% vs +14.91% for USMC, so USMC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PMAP annualized +6.77% vs +22.80% for USMC. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, PMAP or USMC?
USMC has been the more volatile fund at 11.4% annualized versus 1.1% for PMAP. Worst drawdown: PMAP -1.8% vs USMC -11.2%.
Should I hold both PMAP and USMC?
PMAP and USMC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, 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, PMAP or USMC?
PMAP yields 0.00% while USMC yields 0.74%, so USMC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is USMC better than PMAP?
USMC has a lower expense ratio. USMC 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.