DSEP vs FDEC
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - September vs FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - December
Which is better, DSEP or FDEC?
FDEC has been ahead.
FDEC led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.96.
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 | FDEC |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85%Tie | 0.85%Tie |
| AUM | $423M | $1.3B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 10 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +9.34% | +10.08%Best |
| 1Y Return | +11.48% | +14.78%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.52% | +16.28%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.67% | +10.68%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.9%Best | 10.0% |
| Max Drawdown | -11.8%Best | -15.7% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $15,155 | $16,609Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Sep 18, 2020 | Dec 18, 2020 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 21, 2020 to Oct 14, 2026 (5.8 years).
DSEP vs FDEC 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 5.8 years both funds cover.
DSEP vs FDEC 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 - December (FDEC) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year DSEP returned +11.48% while FDEC returned +14.78%. Year to date, DSEP is up 9.34% versus a gain of 10.08% for FDEC.
Over three years, DSEP compounded at +12.52% per year against +16.28% for FDEC; over five years the annualized figures are +8.67% and +10.68% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, FDEC has the edge at +11.30% annualized vs +8.28%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FDEC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 10.0% compared with 6.9% 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 -15.7% for FDEC. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DSEP charges 0.85% per year while FDEC 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 FDEC.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DSEP and FDEC 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 FDEC?
DSEP has an expense ratio of 0.85% while FDEC charges 0.85%. At the precision these are quoted to, they cost the same.
Which performed better, DSEP or FDEC?
Over the past year DSEP returned +11.48% vs +14.78% for FDEC, so FDEC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), DSEP annualized +8.28% vs +11.30% for FDEC. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DSEP or FDEC?
FDEC has been the more volatile fund at 10.0% annualized versus 6.9% for DSEP. Worst drawdown: DSEP -11.8% vs FDEC -15.7%.
Should I hold both DSEP and FDEC?
DSEP and FDEC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, 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, DSEP or FDEC?
DSEP yields 0.00% while FDEC yields 0.00%, so FDEC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is FDEC better than DSEP?
FDEC led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.96. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.