FAPR vs GSEP
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - April vs FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - September
Which is better, FAPR or GSEP?
Each has led over a different period.
FAPR led over 3Y and the full window, GSEP 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 | GSEP |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85%Tie | 0.85%Tie |
| AUM | $1.4B | $365M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 10 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +8.21% | +9.11%Best |
| 1Y Return | +10.78% | +11.58%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.68%Best | +12.22% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.84% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.7%Best | 5.8% |
| Max Drawdown | -11.6% | -10.1%Best |
| $10,000 over 3.1 years | $14,602Best | $14,064 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Apr 16, 2021 | Sep 15, 2023 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.1 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 18, 2023 to Oct 14, 2026 (3.1 years).
FAPR vs GSEP 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 3.1 years both funds cover.
FAPR vs GSEP 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 - September (GSEP) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year FAPR returned +10.78% while GSEP returned +11.58%. Year to date, FAPR is up 8.21% versus a gain of 9.11% for GSEP.
Over three years, FAPR compounded at +13.68% per year against +12.22% for GSEP.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GSEP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 5.8% compared with 5.7% for FAPR. 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 -10.1% for GSEP. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FAPR charges 0.85% per year while GSEP 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 GSEP.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FAPR and GSEP 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 GSEP?
FAPR has an expense ratio of 0.85% while GSEP charges 0.85%. At the precision these are quoted to, they cost the same.
Which performed better, FAPR or GSEP?
Over the past year FAPR returned +10.78% vs +11.58% for GSEP, so GSEP leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FAPR or GSEP?
GSEP has been the more volatile fund at 5.8% annualized versus 5.7% for FAPR. Worst drawdown: FAPR -11.6% vs GSEP -10.1%.
Should I hold both FAPR and GSEP?
FAPR and GSEP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, 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 GSEP?
FAPR yields 0.00% while GSEP yields 0.00%, so GSEP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is GSEP better than FAPR?
FAPR led over 3Y and the full window, GSEP over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.