Data as of .
PMSE vs SEPT: which one stands where?
As of Sep 21, 2026 SEPT can fall 1.4% before its buffer engages and PMSE 0.8%, and PMSE resets 1 days sooner.
These are two different products. PMSE is a floor fund, which caps how far a holder can fall. SEPT 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
PMSE resets first, on Aug 31, 2027, 344 days from now; SEPT runs to Aug 31, 2027, 345 days. PMSE can still gain 7.5% before its cap, SEPT 16.0%. A fall from here reaches PMSE’s buffer after 0.8% and SEPT’s after 1.4%. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMSE | SEPT | PMSE | SEPT | |
| 3 months | +1.1% | +2.3% | −1.1 pts | +0.1 pts |
| 6 months | +4.4% | +11.8% | −13.6 pts | −6.2 pts |
| 1 year | +5.5% | +11.8% | −11.0 pts | −4.8 pts |
| 3 years | not published | +54.5% | not published | −23.9 pts |
| PMSE PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - September Absorbs the whole loss on SPY and caps the gain at 8.3%, over a period ending Aug 31, 2027 | SEPT AllianzIM U.S. Equity Buffer10 ETF - Sep Absorbs the first 10% of loss on SPY and caps the gain at 17.5%, over a period ending Aug 31, 2027 | |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | PGIM | AllianzIM |
| Reference index | SPY | SPY |
| Buffer | 100% | 10% |
| Outcome period | Sep 1, 2026 to Aug 31, 2027 | Sep 1, 2026 to Aug 31, 2027 |
| Days left | 344 | 345 |
| Starting cap | +8.3% | +17.5% |
| Can still gain | 7.5% | 16.0% |
| Fall before buffer | 0.8% | 1.4% |
| Protection left, index points | 100.0% of 100.0% | 10.0% of 10.0% |
| Index return this period | +0.9% | +0.9% |
| Fund return this period | +0.3% | +0.7% |
| State today | Open | Open |
| Expense ratio | 0.50% | 0.74% |
| Net assets | $7m | $38m |
PMSE in plain words
From its price on Sep 21, 2026, the fund can gain about 7.5% more before it reaches its cap. The fund's price can fall 0.8% 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: 100.0% of the 100.0% 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.
SEPT in plain words
From its price on Sep 21, 2026, the fund can gain about 16.0% more before it reaches its cap. The fund's price can fall 1.4% from here before the buffer starts absorbing losses, by the issuer's figure. Protection left, in index points: 10.0% of the 10.0% buffer still sits below today's SPY level. 345 days remained on Sep 21, 2026.
Questions people ask
- Which has more room to gain, PMSE or SEPT?
- From their prices on Sep 21, 2026, PMSE can gain about 7.5% before its cap and SEPT about 16.0%, so SEPT has more room left this period.
- Which resets first, PMSE or SEPT?
- PMSE ends its outcome period on Aug 31, 2027 and SEPT on Aug 31, 2027. A new cap is set the day after each.
- Which is cheaper, PMSE or SEPT?
- PMSE charges 0.50% a year and SEPT charges 0.74%, so PMSE 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, PMSE against SEPT, data as of Sep 21, 2026. https://etfiq.com/compare/buffer/pmse-vs-sept Free to use with attribution; the underlying files are at Open data.