GDEC vs GMAR
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - December vs FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - March
Which is better, GDEC or GMAR?
GMAR has been ahead.
GMAR led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window.
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 | GDEC | GMAR |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85%Tie | 0.85%Tie |
| AUM | $421M | $421M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 10 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +8.56% | +11.09%Best |
| 1Y Return | +10.39% | +12.47%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.27% | +12.00%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.2% | 4.4%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -10.6% | -9.1%Best |
| $10,000 over 2.9 years | $13,630 | $13,669Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Dec 15, 2023 | Mar 17, 2023 |
Not shown on this pair: 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 2.9 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 18, 2023 to Nov 11, 2026 (2.9 years).
GDEC 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 2.9 years both funds cover.
GDEC vs GMAR Performance
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - December (GDEC) 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 GDEC returned +10.39% while GMAR returned +12.47%. Year to date, GDEC is up 8.56% versus a gain of 11.09% for GMAR.
Over three years, GDEC compounded at +11.27% per year against +12.00% for GMAR.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GDEC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 5.2% compared with 4.4% 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 -10.6% for GDEC 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GDEC charges 0.85% per year while GMAR charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $85 annually. On income, GDEC currently yields 0.00% against 0.00% for GMAR.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of GDEC 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, GDEC or GMAR?
GDEC 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, GDEC or GMAR?
Over the past year GDEC returned +10.39% vs +12.47% for GMAR, so GMAR leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, GDEC or GMAR?
GDEC has been the more volatile fund at 5.2% annualized versus 4.4% for GMAR. Worst drawdown: GDEC -10.6% vs GMAR -9.1%.
Should I hold both GDEC and GMAR?
GDEC and GMAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, GDEC or GMAR?
GDEC yields 0.00% while GMAR yields 0.00%, so GMAR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is GMAR better than GDEC?
GMAR led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.