FMAR vs FOCT
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - March vs FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - October
Which is better, FMAR or FOCT?
FMAR has been ahead.
FMAR led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.92.
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 | FMAR | FOCT |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85%Tie | 0.85%Tie |
| AUM | $1.2B | $1.2B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 10 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +13.76%Best | +11.64% |
| 1Y Return | +16.13%Best | +14.45% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.93%Best | +13.82% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.03%Best | +9.67% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.9%Best | 9.7% |
| Max Drawdown | -14.4% | -14.1%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $16,873Best | $15,865 |
| 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).
FMAR 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.
FMAR vs FOCT Performance
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - March (FMAR) 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 FMAR returned +16.13% while FOCT returned +14.45%. Year to date, FMAR is up 13.76% versus a gain of 11.64% for FOCT.
Over three years, FMAR compounded at +14.93% per year against +13.82% for FOCT; over five years the annualized figures are +11.03% and +9.67% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, FMAR has the edge at +11.32% annualized vs +9.81%.
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 8.9% for FMAR. 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 -14.4% for FMAR 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FMAR charges 0.85% per year while FOCT charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $85 annually. On income, FMAR currently yields 0.00% against 0.00% for FOCT.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FMAR 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, FMAR or FOCT?
FMAR 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, FMAR or FOCT?
Over the past year FMAR returned +16.13% vs +14.45% for FOCT, so FMAR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), FMAR annualized +11.32% vs +9.81% for FOCT. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FMAR or FOCT?
FOCT has been the more volatile fund at 9.7% annualized versus 8.9% for FMAR. Worst drawdown: FMAR -14.4% vs FOCT -14.1%.
Should I hold both FMAR and FOCT?
FMAR and FOCT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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, FMAR or FOCT?
FMAR yields 0.00% while FOCT yields 0.00%, so FOCT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is FOCT better than FMAR?
FMAR led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.92. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.