DAUG vs DSEP
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - August vs FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - September
Which is better, DAUG or DSEP?
Each has led over a different period.
DAUG led over 3Y, DSEP over 1Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.96.
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 | DAUG | DSEP |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85%Tie | 0.85%Tie |
| AUM | $446M | $423M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 10 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +7.66% | +9.34%Best |
| 1Y Return | +9.87% | +11.48%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.57%Best | +12.52% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.73% | +8.67%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.5% | 7.0%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -15.3% | -11.8%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $13,849 | $15,155Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Nov 6, 2019 | Sep 18, 2020 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 21, 2020 to Oct 14, 2026 (6.1 years).
DAUG vs DSEP 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 6.1 years both funds cover.
DAUG vs DSEP Performance
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - August (DAUG) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - September (DSEP) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year DAUG returned +9.87% while DSEP returned +11.48%. Year to date, DAUG is up 7.66% versus a gain of 9.34% for DSEP.
Over three years, DAUG compounded at +12.57% per year against +12.52% for DSEP; over five years the annualized figures are +6.73% and +8.67% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, DSEP has the edge at +8.67% annualized vs +7.14%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DAUG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 7.5% compared with 7.0% for DSEP. 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 -15.3% for DAUG and -11.8% for DSEP. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DAUG charges 0.85% per year while DSEP charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $85 annually. On income, DAUG currently yields 0.00% against 0.00% for DSEP.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DAUG and DSEP 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, DAUG or DSEP?
DAUG has an expense ratio of 0.85% while DSEP charges 0.85%. At the precision these are quoted to, they cost the same.
Which performed better, DAUG or DSEP?
Over the past year DAUG returned +9.87% vs +11.48% for DSEP, so DSEP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), DAUG annualized +7.14% vs +8.67% for DSEP. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DAUG or DSEP?
DAUG has been the more volatile fund at 7.5% annualized versus 7.0% for DSEP. Worst drawdown: DAUG -15.3% vs DSEP -11.8%.
Should I hold both DAUG and DSEP?
DAUG and DSEP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, 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, DAUG or DSEP?
DAUG yields 0.00% while DSEP yields 0.00%, so DSEP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is DSEP better than DAUG?
DAUG led over 3Y, DSEP over 1Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.96. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.