DECM vs FSEP
FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - December vs FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - September
Which is better, DECM or FSEP?
FSEP has been ahead.
FSEP led over 1Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.97.
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 | DECM | FSEP |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85%Tie | 0.85%Tie |
| AUM | $35M | $1.4B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 10 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +4.70% | +11.52%Best |
| 1Y Return | +6.60% | +14.29%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.18% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +10.70% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.5%Best | 7.5% |
| Max Drawdown | -3.0%Best | -12.4% |
| $10,000 over 1.8 years | $11,155 | $12,469Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Dec 20, 2024 | Sep 18, 2020 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.8 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 23, 2024 to Oct 14, 2026 (1.8 years).
DECM vs FSEP 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 1.8 years both funds cover.
DECM vs FSEP Performance
FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - December (DECM) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - September (FSEP) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year DECM returned +6.60% while FSEP returned +14.29%. Year to date, DECM is up 4.70% versus a gain of 11.52% for FSEP.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FSEP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 7.5% compared with 2.5% for DECM. 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 -3.0% for DECM and -12.4% for FSEP. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DECM charges 0.85% per year while FSEP charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $85 annually. On income, DECM currently yields 0.00% against 0.00% for FSEP.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DECM and FSEP 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, DECM or FSEP?
DECM has an expense ratio of 0.85% while FSEP charges 0.85%. At the precision these are quoted to, they cost the same.
Which performed better, DECM or FSEP?
Over the past year DECM returned +6.60% vs +14.29% for FSEP, so FSEP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), DECM annualized +6.26% vs +13.04% for FSEP. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DECM or FSEP?
FSEP has been the more volatile fund at 7.5% annualized versus 2.5% for DECM. Worst drawdown: DECM -3.0% vs FSEP -12.4%.
Should I hold both DECM and FSEP?
DECM and FSEP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, 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, DECM or FSEP?
DECM yields 0.00% while FSEP yields 0.00%, so FSEP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is FSEP better than DECM?
FSEP led over 1Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.97. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.