DFEB vs FMAR
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - February vs FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - March
Which is better, DFEB or FMAR?
FMAR has been ahead.
FMAR led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.92.
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 | DFEB | FMAR |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85%Tie | 0.85%Tie |
| AUM | $452M | $1.2B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 10 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +8.67% | +13.39%Best |
| 1Y Return | +11.85% | +16.31%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.66% | +14.66%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.41% | +10.74%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.8%Best | 8.9% |
| Max Drawdown | -10.0%Best | -14.4% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $14,974 | $16,654Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Option Writing | Option Writing |
| Inception | Feb 21, 2020 | Mar 19, 2021 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 22, 2021 to Oct 14, 2026 (5.6 years).
DFEB vs FMAR 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 5.6 years both funds cover.
DFEB vs FMAR Performance
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - February (DFEB) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - March (FMAR) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year DFEB returned +11.85% while FMAR returned +16.31%. Year to date, DFEB is up 8.67% versus a gain of 13.39% for FMAR.
Over three years, DFEB compounded at +13.66% per year against +14.66% for FMAR; over five years the annualized figures are +8.41% and +10.74% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, FMAR has the edge at +11.22% annualized vs +8.46%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FMAR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 8.9% compared with 6.8% for DFEB. 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 -10.0% for DFEB and -14.4% for FMAR. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFEB charges 0.85% per year while FMAR charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $85 annually. On income, DFEB currently yields 0.00% against 0.00% for FMAR.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DFEB and FMAR 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, DFEB or FMAR?
DFEB has an expense ratio of 0.85% while FMAR charges 0.85%. At the precision these are quoted to, they cost the same.
Which performed better, DFEB or FMAR?
Over the past year DFEB returned +11.85% vs +16.31% for FMAR, so FMAR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), DFEB annualized +8.46% vs +11.22% for FMAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DFEB or FMAR?
FMAR has been the more volatile fund at 8.9% annualized versus 6.8% for DFEB. Worst drawdown: DFEB -10.0% vs FMAR -14.4%.
Should I hold both DFEB and FMAR?
DFEB and FMAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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, DFEB or FMAR?
DFEB yields 0.00% while FMAR yields 0.00%, so FMAR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is FMAR better than DFEB?
FMAR led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.92. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.