DMAR vs FOCT
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - March vs FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - October
Which is better, DMAR or FOCT?
FOCT has been ahead.
FOCT led over 1Y, 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 | DMAR | FOCT |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85%Tie | 0.85%Tie |
| AUM | $464M | $1.2B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 10 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +10.26% | +11.64%Best |
| 1Y Return | +12.51% | +14.45%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.32% | +13.82%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.07% | +9.67%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.0%Best | 9.7% |
| Max Drawdown | -9.8%Best | -14.1% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $14,741 | $15,865Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Option Writing | Option Writing |
| Inception | Mar 19, 2021 | Oct 16, 2020 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 22, 2021 to Oct 9, 2026 (5.5 years).
DMAR vs FOCT 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 5.5 years both funds cover.
DMAR vs FOCT Performance
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - March (DMAR) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - October (FOCT) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year DMAR returned +12.51% while FOCT returned +14.45%. Year to date, DMAR is up 10.26% versus a gain of 11.64% for FOCT.
Over three years, DMAR compounded at +12.32% per year against +13.82% for FOCT; over five years the annualized figures are +8.07% and +9.67% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, FOCT has the edge at +9.81% annualized vs +8.11%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FOCT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 9.7% compared with 6.0% for DMAR. 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 -9.8% for DMAR and -14.1% for FOCT. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DMAR charges 0.85% per year while FOCT charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $85 annually. On income, DMAR currently yields 0.00% against 0.00% for FOCT.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DMAR and FOCT 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, DMAR or FOCT?
DMAR has an expense ratio of 0.85% while FOCT charges 0.85%. At the precision these are quoted to, they cost the same.
Which performed better, DMAR or FOCT?
Over the past year DMAR returned +12.51% vs +14.45% for FOCT, so FOCT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), DMAR annualized +8.11% vs +9.81% for FOCT. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DMAR or FOCT?
FOCT has been the more volatile fund at 9.7% annualized versus 6.0% for DMAR. Worst drawdown: DMAR -9.8% vs FOCT -14.1%.
Should I hold both DMAR and FOCT?
DMAR and FOCT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, 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, DMAR or FOCT?
DMAR yields 0.00% while FOCT yields 0.00%, so FOCT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is FOCT better than DMAR?
FOCT led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.