DSEP vs FAPR
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - September vs FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - April
Which is better, DSEP or FAPR?
Each has led over a different period.
DSEP led over 1Y, FAPR over 3Y, 5Y 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 | DSEP | FAPR |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85%Tie | 0.85%Tie |
| AUM | $423M | $1.4B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 10 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +9.34%Best | +8.21% |
| 1Y Return | +11.48%Best | +10.78% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.52% | +13.68%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.67% | +8.84%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.1%Best | 8.9% |
| Max Drawdown | -11.8%Best | -16.0% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $15,155 | $15,274Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Sep 18, 2020 | Apr 16, 2021 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 19, 2021 to Oct 14, 2026 (5.5 years).
DSEP vs FAPR 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 5.5 years both funds cover.
DSEP vs FAPR Performance
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - September (DSEP) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - April (FAPR) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year DSEP returned +11.48% while FAPR returned +10.78%. Year to date, DSEP is up 9.34% versus a gain of 8.21% for FAPR.
Over three years, DSEP compounded at +12.52% per year against +13.68% for FAPR; over five years the annualized figures are +8.67% and +8.84% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, FAPR has the edge at +8.97% annualized vs +8.16%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FAPR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 8.9% compared with 7.1% 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 -11.8% for DSEP and -16.0% for FAPR. 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
DSEP charges 0.85% per year while FAPR charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $85 annually. On income, DSEP currently yields 0.00% against 0.00% for FAPR.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DSEP and FAPR 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, DSEP or FAPR?
DSEP has an expense ratio of 0.85% while FAPR charges 0.85%. At the precision these are quoted to, they cost the same.
Which performed better, DSEP or FAPR?
Over the past year DSEP returned +11.48% vs +10.78% for FAPR, so DSEP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), DSEP annualized +8.16% vs +8.97% for FAPR. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DSEP or FAPR?
FAPR has been the more volatile fund at 8.9% annualized versus 7.1% for DSEP. Worst drawdown: DSEP -11.8% vs FAPR -16.0%.
Should I hold both DSEP and FAPR?
DSEP and FAPR 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, DSEP or FAPR?
DSEP yields 0.00% while FAPR yields 0.00%, so FAPR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is FAPR better than DSEP?
DSEP led over 1Y, FAPR over 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.