DFEB vs MAYM
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - February vs FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - May
Which is better, DFEB or MAYM?
DFEB has been ahead.
DFEB led over 1Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.97.
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 | MAYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85%Tie | 0.85%Tie |
| AUM | $448M | $39M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 10 | 8 |
| YTD Return | +9.08%Best | +3.79% |
| 1Y Return | +12.16%Best | +5.12% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.81% | - |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.59% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.9% | 1.5%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -4.1% | -1.2%Best |
| $10,000 over 1.4 years | $11,954Best | $10,806 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Option Writing | Option Writing |
| Inception | Feb 21, 2020 | May 16, 2025 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.4 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: May 19, 2025 to Oct 13, 2026 (1.4 years).
DFEB vs MAYM 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 1.4 years both funds cover.
DFEB vs MAYM Performance
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - February (DFEB) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - May (MAYM) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year DFEB returned +12.16% while MAYM returned +5.12%. Year to date, DFEB is up 9.08% versus a gain of 3.79% for MAYM.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFEB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 4.9% compared with 1.5% for MAYM. 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 -4.1% for DFEB and -1.2% for MAYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.97. 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 MAYM 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 MAYM.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DFEB and MAYM 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 MAYM?
DFEB has an expense ratio of 0.85% while MAYM charges 0.85%. At the precision these are quoted to, they cost the same.
Which performed better, DFEB or MAYM?
Over the past year DFEB returned +12.16% vs +5.12% for MAYM, so DFEB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), DFEB annualized +13.60% vs +5.69% for MAYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DFEB or MAYM?
DFEB has been the more volatile fund at 4.9% annualized versus 1.5% for MAYM. Worst drawdown: DFEB -4.1% vs MAYM -1.2%.
Should I hold both DFEB and MAYM?
DFEB and MAYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, 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 MAYM?
DFEB yields 0.00% while MAYM yields 0.00%, so MAYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is MAYM better than DFEB?
DFEB led over 1Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.97. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.