DFEB vs FMAY
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - February vs FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - May
Which is better, DFEB or FMAY?
Each has led over a different period.
DFEB led over 1Y, FMAY over 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.91.
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 | DFEB | FMAY |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85%Tie | 0.85%Tie |
| AUM | $448M | $1.5B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 10 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +9.03%Best | +8.89% |
| 1Y Return | +11.60%Best | +11.15% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.89% | +14.54%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.58% | +9.70%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.7%Best | 9.1% |
| Max Drawdown | -10.0%Best | -13.6% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $15,092 | $15,887Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Option Writing | Option Writing |
| Inception | Feb 21, 2020 | May 15, 2020 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: May 18, 2020 to Oct 9, 2026 (6.4 years).
DFEB 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 6.4 years both funds cover.
DFEB vs FMAY Performance
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - February (DFEB) 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 DFEB returned +11.60% while FMAY returned +11.15%. Year to date, DFEB is up 9.03% versus a gain of 8.89% for FMAY.
Over three years, DFEB compounded at +13.89% per year against +14.54% for FMAY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.58% and +9.70% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, FMAY has the edge at +10.30% annualized vs +9.54%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FMAY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 9.1% compared with 6.7% for DFEB. 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 -10.0% for DFEB 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFEB charges 0.85% per year while FMAY charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $85 annually. On income, DFEB currently yields 0.00% against 0.00% for FMAY.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DFEB 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, DFEB or FMAY?
DFEB 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, DFEB or FMAY?
Over the past year DFEB returned +11.60% vs +11.15% for FMAY, so DFEB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), DFEB annualized +9.54% vs +10.30% for FMAY. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DFEB or FMAY?
FMAY has been the more volatile fund at 9.1% annualized versus 6.7% for DFEB. Worst drawdown: DFEB -10.0% vs FMAY -13.6%.
Should I hold both DFEB and FMAY?
DFEB and FMAY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFEB or FMAY?
DFEB yields 0.00% while FMAY yields 0.00%, so FMAY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is FMAY better than DFEB?
DFEB led over 1Y, FMAY over 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.91. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.