FDEC vs GAUG
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - December vs FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - August
Which is better, FDEC or GAUG?
FDEC has been ahead.
FDEC led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.97.
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 | FDEC | GAUG |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85%Tie | 0.85%Tie |
| AUM | $1.3B | $423M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 10 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +10.08%Best | +7.64% |
| 1Y Return | +14.78%Best | +10.03% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.28%Best | +12.32% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.68% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.5% | 6.0%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -13.0% | -10.1%Best |
| $10,000 over 3.1 years | $15,594Best | $14,107 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Dec 18, 2020 | Aug 18, 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: Aug 21, 2023 to Oct 14, 2026 (3.1 years).
FDEC vs GAUG 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.
FDEC vs GAUG Performance
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - December (FDEC) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - August (GAUG) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year FDEC returned +14.78% while GAUG returned +10.03%. Year to date, FDEC is up 10.08% versus a gain of 7.64% for GAUG.
Over three years, FDEC compounded at +16.28% per year against +12.32% for GAUG.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FDEC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 8.5% compared with 6.0% for GAUG. 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 -13.0% for FDEC and -10.1% for GAUG. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FDEC charges 0.85% per year while GAUG charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $85 annually. On income, FDEC currently yields 0.00% against 0.00% for GAUG.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FDEC and GAUG 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, FDEC or GAUG?
FDEC has an expense ratio of 0.85% while GAUG charges 0.85%. At the precision these are quoted to, they cost the same.
Which performed better, FDEC or GAUG?
Over the past year FDEC returned +14.78% vs +10.03% for GAUG, so FDEC leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FDEC or GAUG?
FDEC has been the more volatile fund at 8.5% annualized versus 6.0% for GAUG. Worst drawdown: FDEC -13.0% vs GAUG -10.1%.
Should I hold both FDEC and GAUG?
FDEC and GAUG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, 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, FDEC or GAUG?
FDEC yields 0.00% while GAUG yields 0.00%, so GAUG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is GAUG better than FDEC?
FDEC led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.97. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.