DECM vs FTLS
FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - December vs First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF
Which is better, DECM or FTLS?
FTLS has been ahead.
DECM has a lower expense ratio. FTLS 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 | DECM | FTLS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85%Best | 1.38% |
| AUM | $35M | $2.7B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.87% |
| Holdings | 10 | 363 |
| YTD Return | +4.70% | +9.83%Best |
| 1Y Return | +6.60% | +13.43%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.42% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +10.59% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.5%Best | 6.4% |
| Max Drawdown | -3.0%Best | -11.7% |
| $10,000 over 1.8 years | $11,155 | $11,839Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Dec 20, 2024 | Sep 8, 2014 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.8 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 23, 2024 to Oct 14, 2026 (1.8 years).
DECM vs FTLS 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 1.8 years both funds cover.
DECM vs FTLS Performance
FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - December (DECM) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (FTLS) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year DECM returned +6.60% while FTLS returned +13.43%. Year to date, DECM is up 4.70% versus a gain of 9.83% for FTLS.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTLS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 6.4% compared with 2.5% for DECM. 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 -3.0% for DECM and -11.7% for FTLS. 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
DECM charges 0.85% per year while FTLS charges 1.38%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $138 annually, a gap of $53 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DECM currently yields 0.00% against 0.87% for FTLS.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DECM and FTLS 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, DECM or FTLS?
DECM has an expense ratio of 0.85% while FTLS charges 1.38%. DECM is the cheaper option, by $53 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DECM or FTLS?
Over the past year DECM returned +6.60% vs +13.43% for FTLS, so FTLS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), DECM annualized +6.26% vs +9.83% for FTLS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DECM or FTLS?
FTLS has been the more volatile fund at 6.4% annualized versus 2.5% for DECM. Worst drawdown: DECM -3.0% vs FTLS -11.7%.
Should I hold both DECM and FTLS?
DECM and FTLS 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, DECM or FTLS?
DECM yields 0.00% while FTLS yields 0.87%, so FTLS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is FTLS better than DECM?
DECM has a lower expense ratio. FTLS 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.