DAUG vs GMAR
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - August vs FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - March
Which is better, DAUG or GMAR?
Each has led over a different period.
DAUG led over 3Y, GMAR over 1Y 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 | DAUG | GMAR |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85%Tie | 0.85%Tie |
| AUM | $446M | $428M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 10 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +7.66% | +10.92%Best |
| 1Y Return | +9.87% | +13.38%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.57%Best | +12.33% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.73% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.9% | 4.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -10.5% | -9.1%Best |
| $10,000 over 3.6 years | $15,232 | $15,276Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Nov 6, 2019 | Mar 17, 2023 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.6 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 20, 2023 to Oct 14, 2026 (3.6 years).
DAUG 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 3.6 years both funds cover.
DAUG vs GMAR Performance
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - August (DAUG) 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 DAUG returned +9.87% while GMAR returned +13.38%. Year to date, DAUG is up 7.66% versus a gain of 10.92% for GMAR.
Over three years, DAUG compounded at +12.57% per year against +12.33% for GMAR. Across the full 4-year window we track, GMAR has the edge at +12.49% annualized vs +12.40%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DAUG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 6.9% 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 -10.5% for DAUG 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DAUG charges 0.85% per year while GMAR 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 GMAR.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DAUG 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, DAUG or GMAR?
DAUG 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, DAUG or GMAR?
Over the past year DAUG returned +9.87% vs +13.38% for GMAR, so GMAR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), DAUG annualized +12.40% vs +12.49% for GMAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DAUG or GMAR?
DAUG has been the more volatile fund at 6.9% annualized versus 4.8% for GMAR. Worst drawdown: DAUG -10.5% vs GMAR -9.1%.
Should I hold both DAUG and GMAR?
DAUG and GMAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, 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, DAUG or GMAR?
DAUG yields 0.00% while GMAR yields 0.00%, so GMAR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is GMAR better than DAUG?
DAUG led over 3Y, GMAR over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.