DFEB vs XSEP
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - February vs FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - September
Which is better, DFEB or XSEP?
DFEB has been ahead.
DFEB led over 1Y, 3Y 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 | DFEB | XSEP |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85%Tie | 0.85%Tie |
| AUM | $452M | $100M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 10 | 12 |
| YTD Return | +8.67%Best | +7.30% |
| 1Y Return | +11.85%Best | +9.65% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.66%Best | +9.88% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.41% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.4% | 5.0%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -8.3%Best | -9.2% |
| $10,000 over 4.1 years | $15,677Best | $15,182 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Option Writing | Option Writing |
| Inception | Feb 21, 2020 | Sep 21, 2022 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 4.1 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 22, 2022 to Oct 14, 2026 (4.1 years).
DFEB vs XSEP 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 4.1 years both funds cover.
DFEB vs XSEP Performance
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - February (DFEB) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - September (XSEP) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year DFEB returned +11.85% while XSEP returned +9.65%. Year to date, DFEB is up 8.67% versus a gain of 7.30% for XSEP.
Over three years, DFEB compounded at +13.66% per year against +9.88% for XSEP. Across the full 4-year window we track, DFEB has the edge at +11.59% annualized vs +10.72%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFEB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 6.4% compared with 5.0% for XSEP. 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 -8.3% for DFEB and -9.2% for XSEP. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFEB charges 0.85% per year while XSEP 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 XSEP.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DFEB and XSEP 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 XSEP?
DFEB has an expense ratio of 0.85% while XSEP charges 0.85%. At the precision these are quoted to, they cost the same.
Which performed better, DFEB or XSEP?
Over the past year DFEB returned +11.85% vs +9.65% for XSEP, so DFEB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), DFEB annualized +11.59% vs +10.72% for XSEP. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DFEB or XSEP?
DFEB has been the more volatile fund at 6.4% annualized versus 5.0% for XSEP. Worst drawdown: DFEB -8.3% vs XSEP -9.2%.
Should I hold both DFEB and XSEP?
DFEB and XSEP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, 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, DFEB or XSEP?
DFEB yields 0.00% while XSEP yields 0.00%, so XSEP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is XSEP better than DFEB?
DFEB led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.