FDEC vs HDGE
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - December vs AdvisorShares Active Bear ETF
Which is better, FDEC or HDGE?
Opposite sides of the same exposure.
FDEC has a lower expense ratio. FDEC led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.68, 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 | FDEC | HDGE |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85%Best | 3.62% |
| AUM | $1.3B | $56M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.56% |
| Holdings | 10 | 64 |
| YTD Return | +10.08%Best | -3.65% |
| 1Y Return | +14.78%Best | -2.84% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.28%Best | -9.93% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.68%Best | -6.86% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.0%Best | 21.4% |
| Max Drawdown | -15.7%Best | -50.6% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $16,609Best | $7,009 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Advisor Shares |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Dec 18, 2020 | Jan 26, 2011 |
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).
FDEC vs HDGE 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.
FDEC vs HDGE Performance
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - December (FDEC) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and AdvisorShares Active Bear ETF (HDGE) is an ETF from Advisor Shares. Over the past year FDEC returned +14.78% while HDGE returned -2.84%. Year to date, FDEC is up 10.08% versus a loss of 3.65% for HDGE.
Over three years, FDEC compounded at +16.28% per year against -9.93% for HDGE; over five years the annualized figures are +10.68% and -6.86% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, FDEC has the edge at +11.30% annualized vs -9.14%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HDGE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.4% compared with 10.0% for FDEC. 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 -15.7% for FDEC and -50.6% for HDGE. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.68. They move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, while paying both funds' fees.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FDEC charges 0.85% per year while HDGE charges 3.62%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $362 annually, a gap of $277 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FDEC currently yields 0.00% against 3.56% for HDGE.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FDEC and HDGE 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 HDGE?
FDEC has an expense ratio of 0.85% while HDGE charges 3.62%. FDEC is the cheaper option, by $277 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FDEC or HDGE?
Over the past year FDEC returned +14.78% vs -2.84% for HDGE, so FDEC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), FDEC annualized +11.30% vs -9.14% for HDGE. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FDEC or HDGE?
HDGE has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 10.0% for FDEC. Worst drawdown: FDEC -15.7% vs HDGE -50.6%.
Should I hold both FDEC and HDGE?
FDEC and HDGE have a monthly-return correlation of -0.68, 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, FDEC or HDGE?
FDEC yields 0.00% while HDGE yields 3.56%, so HDGE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is HDGE better than FDEC?
FDEC has a lower expense ratio. FDEC led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.68, 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.