DSEP vs GMAR
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - September vs FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - March
Which is better, DSEP or GMAR?
Each has led over a different period.
DSEP led over 3Y and the full window, GMAR over 1Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.90.
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 | GMAR |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85%Tie | 0.85%Tie |
| AUM | $423M | $421M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 10 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +8.74% | +11.09%Best |
| 1Y Return | +9.57% | +12.47%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.09%Best | +12.00% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.23% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.4% | 4.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -9.9% | -9.1%Best |
| $10,000 over 3.6 years | $15,542Best | $15,164 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Sep 18, 2020 | Mar 17, 2023 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.6 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 20, 2023 to Nov 11, 2026 (3.6 years).
DSEP vs GMAR 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 3.6 years both funds cover.
DSEP vs GMAR Performance
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - September (DSEP) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - March (GMAR) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year DSEP returned +9.57% while GMAR returned +12.47%. Year to date, DSEP is up 8.74% versus a gain of 11.09% for GMAR.
Over three years, DSEP compounded at +12.09% per year against +12.00% for GMAR. Across the full 4-year window we track, DSEP has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +12.26%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DSEP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 6.4% compared with 4.8% for GMAR. 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 -9.9% for DSEP and -9.1% for GMAR. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DSEP charges 0.85% per year while GMAR charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $85 annually. On income, DSEP currently yields 0.00% against 0.00% for GMAR.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DSEP and GMAR 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 GMAR?
DSEP has an expense ratio of 0.85% while GMAR charges 0.85%. At the precision these are quoted to, they cost the same.
Which performed better, DSEP or GMAR?
Over the past year DSEP returned +9.57% vs +12.47% for GMAR, so GMAR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), DSEP annualized +13.03% vs +12.26% for GMAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DSEP or GMAR?
DSEP has been the more volatile fund at 6.4% annualized versus 4.8% for GMAR. Worst drawdown: DSEP -9.9% vs GMAR -9.1%.
Should I hold both DSEP and GMAR?
DSEP and GMAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, 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, DSEP or GMAR?
DSEP yields 0.00% while GMAR yields 0.00%, so GMAR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is GMAR better than DSEP?
DSEP led over 3Y and the full window, GMAR over 1Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.90. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.