FMAY vs FOCT
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - May vs FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - October
Which is better, FMAY or FOCT?
Each has led over a different period.
FMAY led over 3Y and 5Y, FOCT over 1Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.94.
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 | FMAY | FOCT |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85%Tie | 0.85%Tie |
| AUM | $1.5B | $1.2B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 10 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +8.89% | +11.64%Best |
| 1Y Return | +11.15% | +14.45%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.54%Best | +13.82% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.70%Best | +9.67% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.3%Best | 9.9% |
| Max Drawdown | -13.6%Best | -14.1% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $15,887Best | $15,865 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Option Writing | Option Writing |
| Inception | May 15, 2020 | Oct 16, 2020 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 19, 2020 to Oct 9, 2026 (6 years).
FMAY 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 6 years both funds cover.
FMAY vs FOCT Performance
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - May (FMAY) 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 FMAY returned +11.15% while FOCT returned +14.45%. Year to date, FMAY is up 8.89% versus a gain of 11.64% for FOCT.
Over three years, FMAY compounded at +14.54% per year against +13.82% for FOCT; over five years the annualized figures are +9.70% and +9.67% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, FOCT has the edge at +10.77% annualized vs +9.77%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FOCT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 9.9% compared with 9.3% for FMAY. 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 -13.6% for FMAY 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FMAY charges 0.85% per year while FOCT charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $85 annually. On income, FMAY currently yields 0.00% against 0.00% for FOCT.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FMAY 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, FMAY or FOCT?
FMAY 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, FMAY or FOCT?
Over the past year FMAY returned +11.15% vs +14.45% for FOCT, so FOCT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), FMAY annualized +9.77% vs +10.77% for FOCT. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FMAY or FOCT?
FOCT has been the more volatile fund at 9.9% annualized versus 9.3% for FMAY. Worst drawdown: FMAY -13.6% vs FOCT -14.1%.
Should I hold both FMAY and FOCT?
FMAY and FOCT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, 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, FMAY or FOCT?
FMAY yields 0.00% while FOCT yields 0.00%, so FOCT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is FOCT better than FMAY?
FMAY led over 3Y and 5Y, FOCT over 1Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.94. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.