GMAR vs GOCT
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - March vs FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - October
Which is better, GMAR or GOCT?
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 | GMAR | GOCT |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85%Tie | 0.85%Tie |
| AUM | $421M | $450M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 10 | 16 |
| YTD Return | +11.09%Best | +9.10% |
| 1Y Return | +12.47%Best | +9.99% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.00%Best | +11.26% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.8%Best | 5.7% |
| Max Drawdown | -9.1%Best | -10.5% |
| $10,000 over 3.1 years | $14,518Best | $14,221 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Mar 17, 2023 | Oct 20, 2023 |
Not shown on this pair: 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.1 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 23, 2023 to Nov 11, 2026 (3.1 years).
GMAR vs GOCT 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 3.1 years both funds cover.
GMAR vs GOCT Performance
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - March (GMAR) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - October (GOCT) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year GMAR returned +12.47% while GOCT returned +9.99%. Year to date, GMAR is up 11.09% versus a gain of 9.10% for GOCT.
Over three years, GMAR compounded at +12.00% per year against +11.26% for GOCT.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GOCT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 5.7% compared with 4.8% 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 -9.1% for GMAR and -10.5% for GOCT. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GMAR charges 0.85% per year while GOCT charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $85 annually. On income, GMAR currently yields 0.00% against 0.00% for GOCT.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of GMAR and GOCT 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, GMAR or GOCT?
GMAR has an expense ratio of 0.85% while GOCT charges 0.85%. At the precision these are quoted to, they cost the same.
Which performed better, GMAR or GOCT?
Over the past year GMAR returned +12.47% vs +9.99% for GOCT, so GMAR leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, GMAR or GOCT?
GOCT has been the more volatile fund at 5.7% annualized versus 4.8% for GMAR. Worst drawdown: GMAR -9.1% vs GOCT -10.5%.
Should I hold both GMAR and GOCT?
GMAR and GOCT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, 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, GMAR or GOCT?
GMAR yields 0.00% while GOCT yields 0.00%, so GOCT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is GOCT better than GMAR?
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.