Data as of .
PBSE vs ZSEP: which one stands where?
As of Sep 21, 2026 PBSE can fall 1.0% before its buffer engages and ZSEP 0.3%.
These are two different products. ZSEP is a floor fund, which caps how far a holder can fall. PBSE is a buffer fund, which absorbs the first part of a fall and leaves everything below it with the holder.
Where each one stands today
PBSE resets first, on Aug 31, 2027, 344 days from now; ZSEP runs to Aug 31, 2027, 344 days. PBSE can still gain 11.3% before its cap, ZSEP 8.5%. A fall from here reaches PBSE’s buffer after 1.0% and ZSEP’s after 0.3%. Both track SPY, so what separates them is where each is in its own period.
Every figure is ETFIQ’s own, from the issuer’s published outcome-period terms. A buffer ETF holds FLEX options on its reference index rather than shares, so there is no holdings overlap between two of them to report.
Performance, window by window
| Window | Total return | Gap to the reference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PBSE | ZSEP | PBSE | ZSEP | |
| 3 months | +1.6% | +1.2% | −0.6 pts | −1.1 pts |
| 6 months | +7.7% | +4.3% | −10.4 pts | −13.7 pts |
| 1 year | +8.4% | +4.9% | −8.2 pts | −11.6 pts |
| PBSE PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF - September Absorbs the first 20% of loss on SPY and caps the gain at 12.3%, over a period ending Aug 31, 2027 | ZSEP Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr September Absorbs the whole loss on SPY and caps the gain at 8.9%, over a period ending Aug 31, 2027 | |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | PGIM | Innovator |
| Reference index | SPY | SPY |
| Buffer | 20% | 100% |
| Outcome period | Sep 1, 2026 to Aug 31, 2027 | Aug 31, 2026 to Aug 31, 2027 |
| Days left | 344 | 344 |
| Starting cap | +12.3% | +8.9% |
| Can still gain | 11.3% | 8.5% |
| Fall before buffer | 1.0% | 0.3% |
| Protection left, index points | 20.0% of 20.0% | 100.0% of 100.0% |
| Index return this period | +0.9% | +0.9% |
| Fund return this period | +0.5% | +0.3% |
| State today | Open | Open |
| Expense ratio | 0.50% | 0.79% |
| Net assets | $44m | $220m |
PBSE in plain words
From its price on Sep 21, 2026, the fund can gain about 11.3% more before it reaches its cap. The fund's price can fall 1.0% from here before the buffer starts absorbing losses, by the issuer's figure. In index terms, SPY can fall 0.9% from today's level to the point where the buffer begins. Protection left, in index points: 20.0% of the 20.0% buffer still sits below today's SPY level. 344 days remained on Sep 21, 2026. On Aug 31, 2027 the period ends and a new cap is set.
ZSEP in plain words
From its price on Sep 21, 2026, the fund can gain about 8.5% more before it reaches its cap. The fund's price can fall 0.3% from here before the buffer starts absorbing losses, by the issuer's figure. Protection left, in index points: 100.0% of the 100.0% buffer still sits below today's SPY level.
Questions people ask
- Which has more room to gain, PBSE or ZSEP?
- From their prices on Sep 21, 2026, PBSE can gain about 11.3% before its cap and ZSEP about 8.5%, so PBSE has more room left this period.
- Which resets first, PBSE or ZSEP?
- PBSE ends its outcome period on Aug 31, 2027 and ZSEP on Aug 31, 2027. A new cap is set the day after each.
- Which is cheaper, PBSE or ZSEP?
- PBSE charges 0.50% a year and ZSEP charges 0.79%, so PBSE is cheaper. Fees come from each fund's prospectus.
Other comparisons
Where these figures came from
ETFIQ links to the documents behind every figure. It is not affiliated with any issuer, and a link is not an endorsement.
Cite this page. ETFIQ, PBSE against ZSEP, data as of Sep 21, 2026. https://etfiq.com/compare/buffer/pbse-vs-zsep Free to use with attribution; the underlying files are at Open data.