DWSH vs FSEP
AdvisorShares Dorsey Wright Short ETF vs FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - September
Which is better, DWSH or FSEP?
Opposite sides of the same exposure.
FSEP has a lower expense ratio. FSEP led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.75, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees.
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 | DWSH | FSEP |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 6.22% | 0.85%Best |
| AUM | $11M | $1.4B |
| Dividend Yield | 6.68% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 101 | 10 |
| YTD Return | -8.24% | +11.52%Best |
| 1Y Return | -8.93% | +14.29%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -7.86% | +15.18%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.01% | +10.70%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.9% | 9.6%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -65.7% | -13.8%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $8,583 | $16,624Best |
| Fund Family | Advisor Shares | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Jul 10, 2018 | Sep 18, 2020 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 21, 2020 to Oct 14, 2026 (6.1 years).
DWSH 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 6.1 years both funds cover.
DWSH vs FSEP Performance
AdvisorShares Dorsey Wright Short ETF (DWSH) is an ETF from Advisor Shares and FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - September (FSEP) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year DWSH returned -8.93% while FSEP returned +14.29%. Year to date, DWSH is down 8.24% versus a gain of 11.52% for FSEP.
Over three years, DWSH compounded at -7.86% per year against +15.18% for FSEP; over five years the annualized figures are -3.01% and +10.70% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, FSEP has the edge at +11.63% annualized vs -14.26%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DWSH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.9% compared with 9.6% for FSEP. 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 -65.7% for DWSH and -13.8% 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 -0.75. They move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, while paying both funds' fees.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DWSH charges 6.22% per year while FSEP charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $622 vs $85 annually, a gap of $537 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DWSH currently yields 6.68% against 0.00% for FSEP.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DWSH 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, DWSH or FSEP?
DWSH has an expense ratio of 6.22% while FSEP charges 0.85%. FSEP is the cheaper option, by $537 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DWSH or FSEP?
Over the past year DWSH returned -8.93% vs +14.29% for FSEP, so FSEP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), DWSH annualized -14.26% vs +11.63% for FSEP. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DWSH or FSEP?
DWSH has been the more volatile fund at 25.9% annualized versus 9.6% for FSEP. Worst drawdown: DWSH -65.7% vs FSEP -13.8%.
Should I hold both DWSH and FSEP?
DWSH and FSEP have a monthly-return correlation of -0.75, so they move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, and pays both funds' fees on the way. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, DWSH or FSEP?
DWSH yields 6.68% while FSEP yields 0.00%, so DWSH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is FSEP better than DWSH?
FSEP has a lower expense ratio. FSEP led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.75, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.