FAPR vs GMAR
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - April vs FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - March
Which is better, FAPR or GMAR?
Each has led over a different period.
FAPR led over 3Y and the full window, GMAR over 1Y.
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 | FAPR | GMAR |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85%Tie | 0.85%Tie |
| AUM | $1.4B | $428M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 10 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +8.21% | +10.92%Best |
| 1Y Return | +10.78% | +13.38%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.68%Best | +12.33% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.84% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.1% | 4.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -11.6% | -9.1%Best |
| $10,000 over 3.6 years | $15,931Best | $15,276 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Apr 16, 2021 | Mar 17, 2023 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.6 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 20, 2023 to Oct 14, 2026 (3.6 years).
FAPR vs GMAR 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 3.6 years both funds cover.
FAPR vs GMAR Performance
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - April (FAPR) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - March (GMAR) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year FAPR returned +10.78% while GMAR returned +13.38%. Year to date, FAPR is up 8.21% versus a gain of 10.92% for GMAR.
Over three years, FAPR compounded at +13.68% per year against +12.33% for GMAR. Across the full 4-year window we track, FAPR has the edge at +13.81% annualized vs +12.49%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FAPR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 6.1% compared with 4.8% for GMAR. 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 -11.6% for FAPR and -9.1% for GMAR. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FAPR charges 0.85% per year while GMAR charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $85 annually. On income, FAPR currently yields 0.00% against 0.00% for GMAR.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FAPR and GMAR 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, FAPR or GMAR?
FAPR has an expense ratio of 0.85% while GMAR charges 0.85%. At the precision these are quoted to, they cost the same.
Which performed better, FAPR or GMAR?
Over the past year FAPR returned +10.78% vs +13.38% for GMAR, so GMAR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), FAPR annualized +13.81% vs +12.49% for GMAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FAPR or GMAR?
FAPR has been the more volatile fund at 6.1% annualized versus 4.8% for GMAR. Worst drawdown: FAPR -11.6% vs GMAR -9.1%.
Should I hold both FAPR and GMAR?
FAPR and GMAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, 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, FAPR or GMAR?
FAPR yields 0.00% while GMAR yields 0.00%, so GMAR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is GMAR better than FAPR?
FAPR led over 3Y and the full window, GMAR over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.