DSEP vs DWSH
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - September vs AdvisorShares Dorsey Wright Short ETF
Which is better, DSEP or DWSH?
Opposite sides of the same exposure.
DSEP has a lower expense ratio. DSEP led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.68, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees.
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 | DSEP | DWSH |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85%Best | 3.53% |
| AUM | $429M | $6M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 7.39% |
| Holdings | 5 | 102 |
| YTD Return | +8.39%Best | -16.63% |
| 1Y Return | +9.81%Best | -19.91% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.51%Best | -10.75% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.14%Best | -4.81% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.9%Best | 25.9% |
| Max Drawdown | -11.8%Best | -66.9% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $14,789Best | $7,815 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Advisor Shares |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Sep 18, 2020 | Jul 10, 2018 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 21, 2020 to Nov 13, 2026 (6.1 years).
DSEP vs DWSH 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 6.1 years both funds cover.
DSEP vs DWSH Performance
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - September (DSEP) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and AdvisorShares Dorsey Wright Short ETF (DWSH) is an ETF from Advisor Shares. Over the past year DSEP returned +9.81% while DWSH returned -19.91%. Year to date, DSEP is up 8.39% versus a loss of 16.63% for DWSH.
Over three years, DSEP compounded at +11.51% per year against -10.75% for DWSH; over five years the annualized figures are +8.14% and -4.81% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, DSEP has the edge at +8.40% annualized vs -15.41%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DWSH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.9% compared with 6.9% for DSEP. 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 -11.8% for DSEP and -66.9% for DWSH. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.68. They move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, while paying both funds' fees.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DSEP charges 0.85% per year while DWSH charges 3.53%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $353 annually, a gap of $268 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DSEP currently yields 0.00% against 7.39% for DWSH.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DSEP and DWSH 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, DSEP or DWSH?
DSEP has an expense ratio of 0.85% while DWSH charges 3.53%. DSEP is the cheaper option, by $268 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DSEP or DWSH?
Over the past year DSEP returned +9.81% vs -19.91% for DWSH, so DSEP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), DSEP annualized +8.40% vs -15.41% for DWSH. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DSEP or DWSH?
DWSH has been the more volatile fund at 25.9% annualized versus 6.9% for DSEP. Worst drawdown: DSEP -11.8% vs DWSH -66.9%.
Should I hold both DSEP and DWSH?
DSEP and DWSH have a monthly-return correlation of -0.68, so they move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, and pays both funds' fees on the way. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, DSEP or DWSH?
DSEP yields 0.00% while DWSH yields 7.39%, so DWSH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is DWSH better than DSEP?
DSEP has a lower expense ratio. DSEP led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.68, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.