FDEC vs PSCJ
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - December vs Pacer Swan SOS Conservative July ETF
Which is better, FDEC or PSCJ?
Nearly the same fund. PSCJ costs less.
PSCJ has a lower expense ratio. FDEC led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.95.
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 | PSCJ |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.49%Best |
| AUM | $1.3B | $42M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 10 | 12 |
| YTD Return | +10.08%Best | +7.57% |
| 1Y Return | +14.78%Best | +10.05% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.28%Best | +13.98% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.68%Best | +9.29% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.4% | 8.1%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -15.7% | -11.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $16,609Best | $15,592 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Pacer ETFs |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Dec 18, 2020 | Jun 30, 2021 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jul 1, 2021 to Oct 14, 2026 (5.3 years).
FDEC vs PSCJ 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 5.3 years both funds cover.
FDEC vs PSCJ Performance
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - December (FDEC) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Pacer Swan SOS Conservative July ETF (PSCJ) is an ETF from Pacer ETFs. Over the past year FDEC returned +14.78% while PSCJ returned +10.05%. Year to date, FDEC is up 10.08% versus a gain of 7.57% for PSCJ.
Over three years, FDEC compounded at +16.28% per year against +13.98% for PSCJ; over five years the annualized figures are +10.68% and +9.29% respectively.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FDEC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 10.4% compared with 8.1% for PSCJ. 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 -11.9% for PSCJ. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.95. 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 PSCJ charges 0.49%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $49 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FDEC currently yields 0.00% against 0.00% for PSCJ.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FDEC and PSCJ 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 PSCJ?
FDEC has an expense ratio of 0.85% while PSCJ charges 0.49%. PSCJ is the cheaper option, by $36 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FDEC or PSCJ?
Over the past year FDEC returned +14.78% vs +10.05% for PSCJ, 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 PSCJ?
FDEC has been the more volatile fund at 10.4% annualized versus 8.1% for PSCJ. Worst drawdown: FDEC -15.7% vs PSCJ -11.9%.
Should I hold both FDEC and PSCJ?
FDEC and PSCJ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, 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 PSCJ?
FDEC yields 0.00% while PSCJ yields 0.00%, so PSCJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is PSCJ better than FDEC?
PSCJ has a lower expense ratio. FDEC led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.95. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.