DSEP vs FTLS
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - September vs First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF
Which is better, DSEP or FTLS?
FTLS has been ahead.
DSEP has a lower expense ratio. FTLS 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 | DSEP | FTLS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85%Best | 1.38% |
| AUM | $383M | $2.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.86% |
| Holdings | 10 | 363 |
| YTD Return | +10.04% | +10.64%Best |
| 1Y Return | +12.12% | +14.42%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.77% | +14.72%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.96% | +11.09%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.0%Best | 8.1% |
| Max Drawdown | -11.8% | -11.7%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $15,358 | $16,919Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Sep 18, 2020 | Sep 8, 2014 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 21, 2020 to Oct 13, 2026 (6.1 years).
DSEP 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 6.1 years both funds cover.
DSEP vs FTLS Performance
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - September (DSEP) 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 DSEP returned +12.12% while FTLS returned +14.42%. Year to date, DSEP is up 10.04% versus a gain of 10.64% for FTLS.
Over three years, DSEP compounded at +12.77% per year against +14.72% for FTLS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.96% and +11.09% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, FTLS has the edge at +11.84% annualized vs +8.79%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTLS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 8.1% compared with 7.0% 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 -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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DSEP 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, DSEP currently yields 0.00% against 0.86% for FTLS.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DSEP 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, DSEP or FTLS?
DSEP has an expense ratio of 0.85% while FTLS charges 1.38%. DSEP is the cheaper option, by $53 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DSEP or FTLS?
Over the past year DSEP returned +12.12% vs +14.42% for FTLS, so FTLS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), DSEP annualized +8.79% vs +11.84% for FTLS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DSEP or FTLS?
FTLS has been the more volatile fund at 8.1% annualized versus 7.0% for DSEP. Worst drawdown: DSEP -11.8% vs FTLS -11.7%.
Should I hold both DSEP and FTLS?
DSEP and FTLS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, 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, DSEP or FTLS?
DSEP yields 0.00% while FTLS yields 0.86%, so FTLS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is FTLS better than DSEP?
DSEP has a lower expense ratio. FTLS 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.