FOCT vs MAYM
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - October vs FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - May
Which is better, FOCT or MAYM?
FOCT has been ahead.
FOCT led 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 | FOCT | MAYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85%Tie | 0.85%Tie |
| AUM | $1.2B | $39M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 10 | 8 |
| YTD Return | +11.70%Best | +3.79% |
| 1Y Return | +14.87%Best | +5.12% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.13% | - |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.67% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.2% | 1.5%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -5.7% | -1.2%Best |
| $10,000 over 1.4 years | $12,620Best | $10,807 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Option Writing | Option Writing |
| Inception | Oct 16, 2020 | May 16, 2025 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.4 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: May 19, 2025 to Oct 12, 2026 (1.4 years).
FOCT vs MAYM 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 1.4 years both funds cover.
FOCT vs MAYM Performance
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - October (FOCT) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - May (MAYM) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year FOCT returned +14.87% while MAYM returned +5.12%. Year to date, FOCT is up 11.70% versus a gain of 3.79% for MAYM.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FOCT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 7.2% compared with 1.5% for MAYM. 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 -5.7% for FOCT and -1.2% for MAYM. 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
FOCT charges 0.85% per year while MAYM charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $85 annually. On income, FOCT currently yields 0.00% against 0.00% for MAYM.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FOCT and MAYM 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, FOCT or MAYM?
FOCT has an expense ratio of 0.85% while MAYM charges 0.85%. At the precision these are quoted to, they cost the same.
Which performed better, FOCT or MAYM?
Over the past year FOCT returned +14.87% vs +5.12% for MAYM, so FOCT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), FOCT annualized +18.08% vs +5.70% for MAYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FOCT or MAYM?
FOCT has been the more volatile fund at 7.2% annualized versus 1.5% for MAYM. Worst drawdown: FOCT -5.7% vs MAYM -1.2%.
Should I hold both FOCT and MAYM?
FOCT and MAYM 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, FOCT or MAYM?
FOCT yields 0.00% while MAYM yields 0.00%, so MAYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is MAYM better than FOCT?
FOCT led 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.