FFEB vs FMAR
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - February vs FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - March
Which is better, FFEB or FMAR?
Each has led over a different period.
FFEB led over 3Y, 5Y and the full window, FMAR over 1Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.96.
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 | FFEB | FMAR |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85%Tie | 0.85%Tie |
| AUM | $1.4B | $1.2B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 10 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +11.12% | +13.39%Best |
| 1Y Return | +14.59% | +16.31%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.72%Best | +14.66% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.02%Best | +10.74% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.3% | 8.9%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -13.8%Best | -14.4% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $16,866Best | $16,654 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Option Writing | Option Writing |
| Inception | Feb 21, 2020 | Mar 19, 2021 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 22, 2021 to Oct 14, 2026 (5.6 years).
FFEB vs FMAR 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 5.6 years both funds cover.
FFEB vs FMAR Performance
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - February (FFEB) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - March (FMAR) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year FFEB returned +14.59% while FMAR returned +16.31%. Year to date, FFEB is up 11.12% versus a gain of 13.39% for FMAR.
Over three years, FFEB compounded at +16.72% per year against +14.66% for FMAR; over five years the annualized figures are +11.02% and +10.74% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, FFEB has the edge at +11.56% annualized vs +11.22%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FFEB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 9.3% compared with 8.9% for FMAR. 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 -13.8% for FFEB and -14.4% for FMAR. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FFEB charges 0.85% per year while FMAR charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $85 annually. On income, FFEB currently yields 0.00% against 0.00% for FMAR.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FFEB and FMAR 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, FFEB or FMAR?
FFEB has an expense ratio of 0.85% while FMAR charges 0.85%. At the precision these are quoted to, they cost the same.
Which performed better, FFEB or FMAR?
Over the past year FFEB returned +14.59% vs +16.31% for FMAR, so FMAR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), FFEB annualized +11.56% vs +11.22% for FMAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FFEB or FMAR?
FFEB has been the more volatile fund at 9.3% annualized versus 8.9% for FMAR. Worst drawdown: FFEB -13.8% vs FMAR -14.4%.
Should I hold both FFEB and FMAR?
FFEB and FMAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, 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, FFEB or FMAR?
FFEB yields 0.00% while FMAR yields 0.00%, so FMAR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is FMAR better than FFEB?
FFEB led over 3Y, 5Y and the full window, FMAR over 1Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.96. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.