DSEP vs GMAY
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - September vs FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - May
Which is better, DSEP or GMAY?
DSEP has been ahead.
DSEP led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.91.
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 | GMAY |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85%Tie | 0.85%Tie |
| AUM | $383M | $446M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 10 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +10.04%Best | +7.46% |
| 1Y Return | +12.12%Best | +9.72% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.77%Best | +12.43% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.96% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.5% | 6.0%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -9.9%Best | -11.8% |
| $10,000 over 3.4 years | $15,125Best | $14,696 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Sep 18, 2020 | May 19, 2023 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.4 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: May 22, 2023 to Oct 13, 2026 (3.4 years).
DSEP vs GMAY 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 3.4 years both funds cover.
DSEP vs GMAY 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 - May (GMAY) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year DSEP returned +12.12% while GMAY returned +9.72%. Year to date, DSEP is up 10.04% versus a gain of 7.46% for GMAY.
Over three years, DSEP compounded at +12.77% per year against +12.43% for GMAY.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DSEP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 6.5% compared with 6.0% for GMAY. 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 -11.8% for GMAY. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.91. 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 GMAY 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 GMAY.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DSEP and GMAY 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 GMAY?
DSEP has an expense ratio of 0.85% while GMAY charges 0.85%. At the precision these are quoted to, they cost the same.
Which performed better, DSEP or GMAY?
Over the past year DSEP returned +12.12% vs +9.72% for GMAY, so DSEP leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DSEP or GMAY?
DSEP has been the more volatile fund at 6.5% annualized versus 6.0% for GMAY. Worst drawdown: DSEP -9.9% vs GMAY -11.8%.
Should I hold both DSEP and GMAY?
DSEP and GMAY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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 GMAY?
DSEP yields 0.00% while GMAY yields 0.00%, so GMAY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is GMAY better than DSEP?
DSEP led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.91. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.