DDEC vs FMAY
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - December vs FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - May
Which is better, DDEC or FMAY?
Each has led over a different period.
DDEC led over 1Y, FMAY over 3Y, 5Y 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 | DDEC | FMAY |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85%Tie | 0.85%Tie |
| AUM | $429M | $1.5B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 10 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +8.60% | +8.89%Best |
| 1Y Return | +11.78%Best | +11.15% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.03% | +14.54%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.79% | +9.70%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.3%Best | 9.3% |
| Max Drawdown | -10.2%Best | -13.6% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $15,239 | $15,887Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Option Writing | Option Writing |
| Inception | Dec 18, 2020 | May 15, 2020 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 21, 2020 to Oct 9, 2026 (5.8 years).
DDEC vs FMAY 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 5.8 years both funds cover.
DDEC vs FMAY Performance
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - December (DDEC) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - May (FMAY) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year DDEC returned +11.78% while FMAY returned +11.15%. Year to date, DDEC is up 8.60% versus a gain of 8.89% for FMAY.
Over three years, DDEC compounded at +13.03% per year against +14.54% for FMAY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.79% and +9.70% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, FMAY has the edge at +9.54% annualized vs +8.67%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FMAY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 9.3% compared with 6.3% for DDEC. 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 -10.2% for DDEC and -13.6% for FMAY. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DDEC charges 0.85% per year while FMAY charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $85 annually. On income, DDEC currently yields 0.00% against 0.00% for FMAY.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DDEC and FMAY 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, DDEC or FMAY?
DDEC has an expense ratio of 0.85% while FMAY charges 0.85%. At the precision these are quoted to, they cost the same.
Which performed better, DDEC or FMAY?
Over the past year DDEC returned +11.78% vs +11.15% for FMAY, so DDEC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), DDEC annualized +8.67% vs +9.54% for FMAY. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DDEC or FMAY?
FMAY has been the more volatile fund at 9.3% annualized versus 6.3% for DDEC. Worst drawdown: DDEC -10.2% vs FMAY -13.6%.
Should I hold both DDEC and FMAY?
DDEC and FMAY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, 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, DDEC or FMAY?
DDEC yields 0.00% while FMAY yields 0.00%, so FMAY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is FMAY better than DDEC?
DDEC led over 1Y, FMAY over 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.