GMAR vs ZAPR
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - March vs Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr April
Which is better, GMAR or ZAPR?
GMAR has been ahead.
ZAPR has a lower expense ratio. GMAR 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 | GMAR | ZAPR |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.79%Best |
| AUM | $421M | $68M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 10 | 14 |
| YTD Return | +10.84%Best | +5.37% |
| 1Y Return | +12.16%Best | +6.20% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.90% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.8% | 1.1%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -6.8% | -1.7%Best |
| $10,000 over 1.6 years | $12,156Best | $11,085 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Innovator ETFs Trust |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Mar 17, 2023 | Apr 1, 2025 |
Not shown on this pair: 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.6 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 1, 2025 to Nov 12, 2026 (1.6 years).
GMAR vs ZAPR 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 1.6 years both funds cover.
GMAR vs ZAPR Performance
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - March (GMAR) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr April (ZAPR) is an ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year GMAR returned +12.16% while ZAPR returned +6.20%. Year to date, GMAR is up 10.84% versus a gain of 5.37% for ZAPR.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GMAR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 3.8% compared with 1.1% for ZAPR. 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 -6.8% for GMAR and -1.7% for ZAPR. 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
GMAR charges 0.85% per year while ZAPR charges 0.79%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $79 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GMAR currently yields 0.00% against 0.00% for ZAPR.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of GMAR and ZAPR 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 ZAPR?
GMAR has an expense ratio of 0.85% while ZAPR charges 0.79%. ZAPR is the cheaper option, by $6 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, GMAR or ZAPR?
Over the past year GMAR returned +12.16% vs +6.20% for ZAPR, so GMAR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), GMAR annualized +12.98% vs +6.65% for ZAPR. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, GMAR or ZAPR?
GMAR has been the more volatile fund at 3.8% annualized versus 1.1% for ZAPR. Worst drawdown: GMAR -6.8% vs ZAPR -1.7%.
Should I hold both GMAR and ZAPR?
GMAR and ZAPR 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, GMAR or ZAPR?
GMAR yields 0.00% while ZAPR yields 0.00%, so ZAPR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is ZAPR better than GMAR?
ZAPR has a lower expense ratio. GMAR 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.